Aug. 20, 1928 – Feb. 22, 2012

NATCHEZ — Graveside services for Doris E. Bass, 82, will be at 6 p.m. today at the Natchez City Cemetery in the Smith family plot in Brown’s Final Addition.

Arrangements are under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Doris began her career by working at Sterling’s as a teenager. She graduated from Natchez High School in 1946, one year ahead of her class. She married Lloyd B. Bass in 1947, and moved to Farmerville, La., for a short time. She returned to Natchez in 1948, and went to work for Schumberger.

In 1949, she gave birth to her only child, Larry. Afterward, she began working at Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company with her sister, Mildred A. Smith. After 20 years with Armstrong, she moved to Baltimore, Md., with her son and began working for Schenuit Tire Factory. They all loved her southern accent.

Doris taught herself word processing and was hired by SCI computer software developer and later worked for Lancellata Realty as financial manager. When she retired, she spent months at a time in Natchez with her family. She especially treasured the time with her sister, Mildred. She kept busy keeping the books and finances for Larry’s company, LB Services.

Doris was courageous, skilled, loving and kind. She grew up in hard times with a mother who guided her through life without fear and with love for adventure.

She died peacefully in her son’s arms with grace. Her spirit will live on in Heaven and we will look forward to being with her once again.

She was greeted in Heaven by her mother, Carrie Foster Adams; two brothers, Curtis P. Adams and Clyde R. Adams; and one sister, Mildred A. Smith.

Survivors include one son; three nephews, Ricky Smith and wife, Micki, Vernon E. Smith and wife, Peggy, and Richard Adams; and two nieces, Cara René Adams and her companion, Margaret, and Tanna Davis and husband, Vidal.

Visitation and a celebration of life will be at the home of Ricky and Micki Smith, 701 Franklin St., immediately after the burial. Please use the Rankin Street door.