Deacon Donnell Bass was born on April 18, 1957 in Wayne County to the late Lamont and Sarah Bass. He peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Monday, October 3, 2016 at Wayne UNC Hospital with his loving wife right at his side.

Donnell attended Wayne County Schools and graduated from Southern Wayne High School in 1976.  Upon graduating, he entered the workforce and retired from Mt. Olive Pickle Plant with 29 years of service. He also worked part time at UCI – Goldsboro Facility until his health declined. On July 16, 2005, Donnell was united in Holy Matrimony with his soul mate, Mrs. Antionette Williams Bass.

Donnell was an avid football fan and never wanted to miss a game. His favorite team was the Washington Redskins.  He was man of his word, always meaning what he said and saying what he meant. Deacon Bass was a faithful member and deacon at Mt. Zion, The Healing Place in Goldsboro. He was very loyal and committed to his church. He made sure that everyone knew he was a member of Mt. Zion wherever he would go.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lamont and Sarah Bass; his son, Antwan Demond Williams; two brothers, Rudolph and Randolph Bass; and one sister, Madline Kornegay.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Antoinette Bass of the home; two sons, Donnell Joyner and Donald Bass, both of Goldsboro, NC; his twin brother, Ronnell (Annette) Bass of Mt. Olive, NC; three sisters, Andra (Arnold) Howard of Landover, MD, Vinnette (Vincent) Butler of Mitchellville, MD and Joanne (Corey – deceased) Morrisey of Conyers, GA; two brothers-in-law, Leroy Kornegay of Mt. Olive, NC and Tim Wade of Ayden, NC; two sisters-in-law, Tonya Harper (Jessie) of Snow Hill, NC and Tammy (James) Washington of Ayden, NC; special aunt, Melvalene Greenfield of Goldsboro, NC; grandchildren, Jane Bass, Silk Joyner, Styles Joyner, Akeelah Bass and Grace Joyner, all of Goldsboro, NC; a special friend and brother, Deacon Trellis B. Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.