Averis Tella Bass Franklin

Very quietly and peacefully on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, God in his infinite wisdom, mercy and grace, gently closed the eyes of Averis “Vera” Tella Bass Franklin.

Vera was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on September 23, 1932 to the late Roosevelt and Katherine Sumrow. She was also educated in the Wheeling public school system. Vera was united with James Boatwright who preceded her in death. From this union, there were five children: Joseph, Priscella, Alfred, Howard “Eddie” and Willie. Joseph preceded her in death in November 2013 and Alfred in January 2014.

Vera moved to Ohio where she met Robert Lee Bass and they were united in marriage. From this union, they had two sons, Robert and Archie Bass. They moved to Madisonville where she worked as a nursing assistant. She also worked for the Hopkins County School District. In her free time, Vera very much enjoyed socializing. She also enjoyed taking care of her pets of which she had many over the years.

Vera attended Eastview Missionary Baptist Church for over thirty years. While there, she participated in several auxiliary groups of which singing in the choir was her favorite. On July 23, 1991, Vera married Walter Franklin who also worked for the Hopkins County School District. Walter preceded her in death in December 1993.

Vera is survived by five children: Priscella Thompson, Howard “Eddie” Boatwright, Willie Boatwright, Robert Bass, and Archie Bass. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and many family and friends that will miss her dearly.