Bassett Funeral Service

02/18/2026

🌟 Celebrating Bassett’s Local Black History 🌟

Bassett Funeral Service is honored to recognize Katherine Smith Hairston as a distinguished honoree for our 2026 Black History Program.

A pioneering educator whose life reflected faith, resilience, and generational excellence, Mrs. Hairston devoted decades to teaching, mentoring, and uplifting others. From overcoming the challenges of segregation to serving faithfully in her church and community, her legacy continues to inspire generations. Her commitment to education and hard work helped lay a foundation of excellence that lives on today.

Join us as we celebrate her remarkable life and the impact she has made on our community.

🗓 Saturday, February 21, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Bassett Funeral Service Chapel
3665 Fairystone Park Highway
Bassett, Virginia

Come celebrate local Black history and the leaders who helped shape it.

02/18/2026

🇺🇸✨ Celebrating Bassett’s Local Black History ✨🇺🇸

Bassett Funeral Service is proud to recognize Walter Eddie Arnold as a distinguished honoree for our 2026 Black History Program.

A devoted veteran, dedicated educator, and faithful servant leader, Mr. Arnold has spent his life serving his country, shaping young minds in Henry County Public Schools for over 30 years, and leading faithfully within his church and community. His commitment to faith, family, and service stands as a powerful example for generations to follow.

Join us as we honor his legacy and celebrate the present contributions that continue to strengthen our community.

🗓 Saturday, February 21, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Bassett Funeral Service Chapel
3665 Fairystone Park Highway
Bassett, Virginia

Come celebrate local Black history and the leaders who have helped shape it.

02/18/2026

🌟 Celebrating Bassett’s Local Black History 🌟

Bassett Funeral Service is honored to recognize Shirley Thompson Arnold as a distinguished honoree for our 2026 Black History Program.

A faith-filled educator, gifted musician, and tireless advocate for excellence and civil rights, Mrs. Arnold has dedicated her life to uplifting others. From her years shaping young minds in the Henry County School System to her leadership in education associations and her lifelong commitment to music and ministry, her legacy reflects service, scholarship, and steadfast faith in God.

Join us as we celebrate her remarkable impact and honor the history that continues to shape our community today.

🗓 Saturday, February 21, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Bassett Funeral Service Chapel
3665 Fairystone Park Highway
Bassett, Virginia

Come celebrate local Black history and the leaders who continue to inspire generations.

02/18/2026

As we say goodnight to our after hours receptionist here at Bassett Funeral Service, our hearts are full as we honor the life and legacy of our beloved coworker, Kathy Hudson Handy.

For more than 30 years, Kathy faithfully served the families of this community with compassion, dedication, and quiet strength. She was more than a coworker — she was family. Her gentle spirit and unwavering commitment touched countless lives, and her presence will be deeply missed.

We continue to extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Hudson & Handy family during this difficult time. Kathy will forever remain a cherished part of the Bassett Funeral Service family.

Goodnight, Kathy. Your service and love will never be forgotten.

02/17/2026

🖤✨ Black History Program – Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present ✨🖤

Join us for a special evening as we honor local Black history makers and celebrate the impact they continue to have in our community today.

📅 Saturday, February 21, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Bassett Funeral Service
3665 Fairystone Park Highway
Bassett, Virginia 24055

This program will highlight lives of service, leadership, and legacy while bringing our community together in unity and appreciation.
Let’s come together to reflect, celebrate, and uplift those who paved the way and those who continue the journey.

🎉 All are welcome! Please share and invite others to attend.

02/17/2026

🌟 Celebrating Bassett’s Local Black History 🌟

Bassett Funeral Service is proud to honor Mrs. Joyce Staples as a distinguished honoree for our 2026 Black History Program.

A lifelong educator, servant leader, and community pillar, Mrs. Staples has dedicated decades to shaping minds, strengthening organizations, and uplifting Martinsville-Henry County. From 39 years in education to her countless hours of volunteer service and leadership, her life reflects a deep commitment to faith, excellence, and community impact.

Join us as we celebrate her remarkable legacy and the present-day contributions that continue to inspire us all.

🗓 Saturday, February 21, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Bassett Funeral Service Chapel
3665 Fairystone Park Highway
Bassett, Virginia

Come celebrate local Black history and the leaders who continue to shape our future.

02/17/2026

🇺🇸✨ Celebrating Bassett’s Local Black History ✨🇺🇸

Bassett Funeral Service is honored to recognize SGT. First Class (Retired) Ell Louis “John” Manns as a distinguished honoree for our 2026 Black History Program.

A decorated United States Army veteran, mentor, church leader, and pillar of the community, Sgt. Manns’ life stands as a powerful testament to honorable service, steadfast faith, and unwavering dedication to family and community. From his courageous military service — including tours in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam — to his years mentoring youth through Junior ROTC and serving faithfully in ministry, his legacy continues to inspire generations.

Join us as we celebrate his impact and honor the rich legacy of those who have shaped our community.

🗓 Saturday, February 21, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Bassett Funeral Service Chapel
3665 Fairystone Park Highway
Bassett, Virginia

Come celebrate local Black history and those who continue to make it.

02/17/2026

🌟 Honoring Local Black History – Celebrating the Present 🌟

Bassett Funeral Service is proud to recognize Irma King Preston as one of our distinguished honorees for the 2026 Black History Program.

Mrs. Preston is a devoted woman of faith, a lifelong public servant, and a compassionate community advocate whose life reflects her powerful motto: “He Knows My Name.” From her years of service with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office to her continued work helping others through Piedmont Community Services and her faithful commitment at High Ridge Baptist Church, her legacy of service continues to inspire us all.

Join us as we celebrate her impact and the rich history of our community!

🗓 Saturday, February 21, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Bassett Funeral Service Chapel

Come out and help us honor those who have shaped our community and continue to make a difference.

02/16/2026

Bassett Funeral Service is honored to serve the Gilley family.

Michael Henry Gilley passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 14, 2026. He was born to the late Willie D. Bill Gilley and Carleen Gilley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Willie Bo Gilley, Jr. his sister, Peggy Plasters and his brothers-in-law,

02/13/2026

Happy Birthday Paul T. Kennedy Jr!

On behalf of the staff of Bassett Funeral Service, we extend our sincere birthday wishes to you today. May your special day be filled with moments of joy, reflection, and celebration, and may the year ahead bring good health, happiness, and continued blessings. We hope you enjoy your day and all that it brings.

— The Staff of Bassett Funeral Service

02/11/2026

Bassett Funeral Service is honored to serve the Branch family

Vicky Branch, born March 15, 1965, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous year-long journey with terminal cancer. Vicky was the kind of person who quietly held everything together. She spent her life taking care of those around her, often put...

02/10/2026

Bassett Funeral Service is honored to serve the Foley family.

Elizabeth Jean Saunders Foley, age 55, of Collinsville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at her home. She was born on July 18, 1970, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late James Alvin Saunders and Peggy Haynes Saunders, who survives. Elizabeth was known for her gentl...