Elaine Irene Perry Bass was born on May 5, 1931 to her parents Joseph Perry and Atla Ophelia Braye; along with her brother the late George C. Perry and the late Ruth P. Coly. Elaine was born in Norfolk, VA and resided there with her family until relocating to New York City; to live with her Aunt Irene B. Davis for the purpose of attending Bellevue School of Nursing. Shortly after graduating from nursing school, Elaine married Ray Lee Bass Sr. They relocated to and resided in Jamaica Queens, NY. There they bore 7 children: Ray Lee Bass Jr., Ronald, Deborah, Donna, Russell, Dianne, and Dorothy.
During her attendance at nursing school, Elaine worked at various jobs such as in a candy shop, as a carhop, at B. Altman’s department store, and at a newspaper company where she went on jobs with the camera man. Elaine obtained her license as a Registered Nurse and began working with premature infants. Her career expanded over 40 years encompassing rolls such as nursing supervisor and infirmary nurse at St. Christopher-Ottlie.
Elaine was a true woman of God and exhibited the characteristics of Proverbs 31 woman. She attended Christian Cultural Center for many years under the teachings and spiritual guidance of Pastor A. R. Bernard. Elaine loved and continually grew through reading her daily scripture, practicing the core values of discipleship and demonstrating the core purposes of Christ-based ministry. She intentionally and consistently shared truth, life, and grace all while teaching her children and grandchildren that God is the source of our faith and the strength of our life.
Elaine loved gospel and choir music. She celebrated and cherished every holiday surrounded by her family and song. Elaine was also a great cook and baker. She enjoyed feeding her family and baking her infamous turkey wings, potato salad, poundcakes, and fruitcakes. She was also deeply knowledgeable about many things. For example, she knew the names of flowers, trees, and classical music compositions. A favorite classical music composition, in which she also knew how to play on the piano, was “Clair de Lune.” She was also a great artist and Scrabble player!
Elaine, “Mom”, “Tinkie Wink”, “Harriet”, “Nana”, “Nan”, “Sugarlump” was called home to our heavenly Father and Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Thursday, May 6, 2021. She leaves loving memories to her children, Donna, Russell, Dianne, and Dorothy: her sons-in-law Julio and Reggie, daughters in law Mona and Paula, grandchildren: Antoine, Medea, Travis, Tamaira, Pindie, Sirece, Freddy Ray, Marlaine, Russell Jr., Miya, Ramell, Aaron, Elana, and Sheldon; 19 great grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild, cousins, and a host of friends. Her love overflows from generation to generation and we will always hold her near in our hearts.
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