Shirley Gertrude Bass

Stella Sweatt and Henry T. Miles preceded her in death.

Shirley was referred to as Cheryl by family members. She was very close to her grandmother and was accustomed to assisting her mother in managing household responsibilities.

Shirley attended Crispus Attucks High School. Following her graduation in 1954, she embarked on her journey as an Elevator Girl with employment at the YMCA and the Diana Shop. She soon met and married Raymond Gordon at the age of 19. The brief marriage ended, and Shirley moved to Los Angeles, CA to live with her father while she reinvented herself and worked in sales at the May Company. A few years later, she returned to Indianapolis where she met and married Henry Lee Bass. Shirley commenced her course as a loving wife and mother. Additionally, she was an employee of Naval Avionics and student at Indianapolis Vocational Technical Institute (Ivy Tech).

Recognized as a diligent, multitasking nurturer, Shirley excelled in her role as mother of LaTonya Renee, born in 1962 and Aaron Lamont, born in 1965. Additionally, after the death of her mother in 1963, she increased her family by taking on the responsibility of raising her siblings, Alfonzo Bollen and Ruth Garner-Stowers.

Shirley graduated from Ivy Tech in June 1968 and began another significant chapter in her life that same year. She became a member of the Grace Apostolic Church family. She continued membership at Grace Apostolic for over 50 years. While Shirley’s position in the workforce transitioned from secretary with Layers and Trumble at Law to working with Indianapolis Public Schools, the mainstay in her life was her personal relationship with God and Grace Apostolic Church (Grace). Even during the trials of divorce, engagement to Lonnie Dodson Jr. and the joyous birth of her third child Marquita Lynn Dodson (1970), Shirley became relentless in her pursuit of a genuine connection with Christ. As an unnamed bible scholar, she studied God’s Word and participated in international ministries such as Life Study Fellowship, the Christian Broadcasting Network and Thru the Bible with Dr. J. Vernon McGee. These studies fueled her ability to comprehend and fulfill God’s Word. While a member of Grace, she supported her biblical studies by faithfully attending Sunday School, Morning Services, Wednesday Night Bible Study and Evening Services. She obeyed Jesus’ Great Commission and ministered to children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, and family. The weekly services at Grace ultimately became an integral part of her life. She took seriously the Grace Apostolic mission, “… to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, to guide souls to redemption, to advance the spirit of brotherly love, to love God with all of our

heart and love our neighbor as our self.”

She began a legacy, that thrives to this day, of teaching by example, the necessity of

genuine relationship with Christ.

She went on to graduate from Clark College and maintain a variety of employment endeavors. However, God, family and church remained the center of her life focus. Shirley was consulted by friends, family and even strangers for assistance in navigating life’s tribulations due to her consistent ability to model grace, dignity, and emotional intelligence in the handling of difficult circumstances. She was known for listening intently while providing considerate advice and spiritual wisdom. Shirley’s children and grandchildren

celebrate her advice, encouragement, and mother wit that provides ongoing support. Her ability to pray fervently is widely known and her prayer closet which has existed for over 50 years has become legendary.

Many who knew her are aware of her beautiful speaking voice and eloquent vocabulary, her overall elegance, chic fashion, stylish hats, her sense of humor, culinary talents, storytelling, love of pets, business acumen, her sense of responsibility and authenticity, determination, and her feistiness. However, very few were aware of her beautiful singing ability, her artistic talents (drawing, sculpture, cosmetics, and ceramics), her love of opera and gospel music, her love of reading, writing, travel and philanthropy. Shirley was a devoted giver and faithfully donated to multiple charitable organizations such as St. Jude Children's Hospital and Boys Town for over 50 years.

Her favorite scripture, the 23rd Psalm, summarizes her belief that God’s calling as a disciple

of Christ includes mountain tops, valleys, and the lifelong benefit of the presence, power,

and favor of God. She held many secular titles throughout her 86 years of living. Yet, “Child

of the Most High King” was her favorite!

Mother Shirley Gertrude Bass’ earthly story has ended, and her eternal story began on

February 12, 2023. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; Sisters: Carolyn

Marie Gilbert and Ruby Garner; Brothers, Woody Sweatt, Aaron Sweatt and Alfonzo Bollen;

Grandson, Jose Finch.

She is survived by her Daughter, LaTonya Finch (Jesse); Son, Aaron Bass (Carla); Daughter,

Marquita Twyman (Larry); Sisters: Priscilla Graves, Ruth Stowers, Raynelle Garner, Mary

Ware; Brothers: Elroy Sweatt, Steven Sweatt; Grandsons: DeAdrian Ortega (Shante),

Orlando Amos and LaZane Twyman; Granddaughters: Jessica, Jasmin and Jairin Finch;

Crystal Bass, Jasmine Stombaugh (Jon), Atalya Dodson (Jasmine); Great Grandchildren:

Chloe, Colton, Javelle Pace, Kartier, Kaido, Kamari, DeAdrian Jr., Monrez and a host of

family