Edith Nash Bassett, 86, of Decatur, Georgia passed away peacefully on August 27 following a brief illness. Just last year, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 67 years, John Thomas “Jack” Bassett III. Affectionately known to family and friends as “Pooch,” Edith was a life-long DeKalb resident; the eighth of nine children born to Charles Edward and Velma Jane (Brownlee) Nash. Edith graduated from Clarkston High School in 1941, married in 1942, worked for the Red Cross during WWII, and with her husband Jack, operated Fernside Dairy until 1958. Together with business partner Emma Lou Ray, Edith took over and operated a legacy family business, the Bassett Kindergarten and Nursery School, in downtown Decatur from 1961 – 1986. Much of Edith’s life was shaped by lessons learned from living through the Great Depression and World War II. Edith loved deeply, and her love was returned in kind to all who knew her; family and friends alike. A talented and true southern cook, she would often turn simple foods and ingredients into wonderful meals – expressions of love - for family and friends. Later in life, Edith enjoyed her home, family get-togethers, gardening, Avondale Pattillo Methodist Church, the Wellness Center at DeKalb Medical, and her cat, Prissy. Edith is survived by her brother, Charles Donald Nash and his wife Dot Cheek Nash of Decatur; sisters-in-law Donna Pauline Nash of Tucker, and Juanita Jayroe Bassett of Richmond, Virginia; daughters Beverly June Bassett of Olympia, Washington, and Betty Reba Bassett Sule of Stone Mountain; sons John Thomas Bassett IV and his wife Patricia Jean Bassett of Marietta, and Edward Nash Bassett and his wife Lynn Maria Bassett of Olympia, Washington; grandchildren Laura Kathleen Sule, Alex Michael Sule, Mark Edward Sule, Shannon Michelle Bassett, John Thomas “Jay” Bassett V and his wife Jessica (LaCroix) Bassett, Luke Edward Bassett, and Larkin Nash Bassett. Edith’s life and love was also enhanced by and extended to many wonderful and devoted nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Edith’s funeral will be on Sunday, August 29 at 3 pm at Avondale Pattillo United Methodist Church, 3260 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA 30032, phone (404) 294-4063, Rev. David Allen Grady officiating. Interment will be at Rehoboth Cemetery on Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur. For those who wish, donations in Edith’s memory may be made to Avondale Pattillo United Methodist Church.
