Betty Rae Hevener Bass

Betty Rae Hevener Bass, “Nanny”, 91, of Powhatan, peacefully passed away in her home, surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Betty was preceded in death by her late husband, Paul E. Bass, her infant son, Jeffery Lawrence Bass, her son-in-laws, Larry C. Byrley and Michael E. Jarvis and many other beloved family members. She is survived in love by her daughter, Debbie L. Byrley of Buckingham, step-sons Paul Bass Jr (Bonnie) and Charlie Bass (Brenda), granddaughters Jennifer (Adam) Lawson of Powhatan, Stephanie (TJ) Waycaster of Powhatan, great-grandchildren Blake Waycaster (Haley), Emmalee Lawson (Coby), Jaksyn Waycaster, Tyler Lawson and CeCe Waycaster and great-great grandson Emanuel “Storm” Waycaster. 

Betty was born to Andrew and Hester Hevener of Highland County, Virginia. Her mother passed away when she was 5 years old and Betty was raised in multiple homes until the age of 18. She moved to Richmond where she would eventually meet Paul Bass and marry in 1956. She was immediately taken in and loved by him and all of his siblings, who became hers as well. Nanny may have grown up without a family, but she knew what family meant and how to build one on love. She loved her daughter, all of her grandchildren and all of her family. They meant everything to her and she always put everyone above herself. Nanny may not have “owned” a home of her own, but she was “home” to everyone. Her time here was spent loving her family and taking care of them in every way that she could. 

She spent many years working for Fabric Warehouse (Hancock Fabrics) where she retired from in her 70s. She worked hard in every aspect of her life. She loved to take care of everyone and to make them feel loved. She felt her love was best given through acts of service. She loved to cook for everyone, keep house, do the shopping, attend every sporting or horse event, watch every school performance and riding lesson and to be wherever her family was. We are certain that there is no other Nanny who could love harder than ours. Our Nanny was the best and anyone blessed to know her would never argue that. Everything she ever did was special and she always made you feel like “her favorite”. 

Our Nanny lived a long, healthy life. She spent her adult life surrounded by her family every day. She was loved more than life. She was the center of our world and though we are heartbroken and life will never seem right without her, we know that she is sitting at the feet of Christ now. 

Joint services for Betty Bass and her son-in-law, Michael Jarvis, will be held on Sunday, August 11th, at Passion Community Church (PCC), Midlothian campus, 50 Otterdale Rd, Midlothian, VA 23113. Visitation will begin at 2:30pm, service will follow at 3:30pm, followed by an immediate reception. Interment will take place at Powhatan Community Cemetery in Powhatan Courthouse after the reception. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Anchored in Peace adult care services, 1797 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139 or to the Alzheimer’s Association.