Patricia Bassett

PATRICIA BASSETT

Cedar Rapids

Patricia Ann Bassett, Ph.D., was born May 17, 1948, in Memphis, Tenn. She entered into eternal

peace on Thursday, July 10, 2014, due to natural causes.

Dr. Bassett graduated from Wash-ington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. Her dedication to education was demonstrated in 1997, when she founded the Omega Academy Charter School in Phoenix. Over her 30-year career in education, Dr. Bassett developed the first African American curriculum for the Cedar Rapids Community School District in 1971. She was formerly placement director at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and was once runner-up Miss Linn County. She served as the Iowa State youth chairperson for the Church of God in Christ and president of YPWW (Young People Willing Workers), as well as national evangelist.

She was the oldest of eight children and preceded in death by her mother, Charlotte Marie Bassett.

She is survived by her father, Bishop Hurley Bassett Sr., Church of God in Christ Iowa Jurisdictional Prelate. She will be deeply missed by her five brothers, Harold Bassett, Pastor Hurley Bassett of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, Sylvester Bassett, James Bassett and Roland Bassett; and two sisters, Lovie Bassett and Dr. Carolyn Rucker.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. July 26 at Emanuel Church of God in Christ, 1537 W. Buckeye Rd., Phoenix, with viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Aug. 2 at Word of Faith Pentecostal COGIC, 2325 16th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids.