On July 21, 2015, our beloved Leona Mathis Bass, 98, went home to be with her Lord and Savior. She was a very devoted mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Visitation will take place on Friday, July 24, from 6-8 p.m. at Beggs Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 25, at Beggs Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at San Pedro Cemetery, Madison, Florida. Born on February 8, 1917, she was a life-long resident of Madison, Florida. She was a charter member (and also the oldest member) of Faith Baptist Church. She was a previous member of New Home Baptist Church. As long as health permitted, her ministry was calling church members who had missed church and inviting others to attend. She attended Enterprise School until she left to marry the love of her life, Milledge Bass. Together they worked side-by-side on the farm until his death on January 2, 1963. They were avid fishermen, fishing in San Pedro Bay as well as in Tan Yard Creek. She loved to read and did beautiful embroidery and crochet.
In later years, her eyesight failed, and she listened to books on tape. She was devoted to her family and continued to share her wisdom with them to the end. Left to mourn her passing are one son, Edgar Bass (Vera) of Jacksonville; three daughters: Virginia Murphy (Alonzo) and Doris Bishop (Donald) both of Madison, and Lucille Osborne of Lake City: seven grandchildren: Gayle Cason (Larry); Michael Bass (Penny) both of Jacksonville; Al and Jerry Murphy, both of Madison; Teresa Bayless (Jeff) of Valdosta, Georgia; Don Bishop (Allison) of Perry, Florida; and Steve Coody of Lake City, Florida. She was blessed with 16 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great -grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Leona Bass loved flowers and had a green thumb. Flowers may be sent; or in honor of her love of her Lord and her church, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund at Faith Baptist Church, 1135 U.S. 90, Madison, Florida 32340. Beggs Funeral Home Madison is in charge of arrangements, (850) 973-2258. You may send condolences to the family by visiting www.beggsfuneral.com.