Carol Jean Bassford's Obituary
Carol Jean Bassford, née Owens, passed away peacefully on December 22nd 2024 in hospice care in Baltimore, Maryland after a long struggle with dementia. Born as Carol Owens in Annapolis on August 20th 1946 to Emery and Ellen (Taylor) Owens, she was a direct descendant of the colonial Owens family, some of the earliest settlers of Maryland, and the historical Taylor family of Annapolis. Raised in Annapolis and Eastport, her family later moved to Arnold, and she was a 1964 graduate of Severna Park High School.
In 1966, she married Charles Lewis, only to lose him to an early demise three short years later. Unexpectedly widowed early in her life, Carol bravely faced adversity as a now single mom with her young son, until, when in 1974, she married James Bassford, had a daughter Rebecca, and remained married to him for what would be the rest of her life. In 1981, she made the decision to give one of her own kidneys to her sister Joyce, whose only remaining kidney was failing. Carol’s gracious and unselfish act granted Joyce another forty years of life, to the astonishment of the doctors who only had predicted ten. Carol and James continued to build their life together, guided by their faith in the Lord, for over fifty years of marriage.
Carol greatly enjoyed meeting new people and could often be found talking with her neighbors, and greeting the many children and dogs that went by. She loved country music, and had a wonderful talent for writing songs and poetry. She also enjoyed camping, doing crafts and entertaining in her home, hosting many holiday parties and themed gatherings over the years.
In addition to her first husband Charles, she was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Joyce and Doris Lee, and her stepson John.
Carol's pride and joy was her family, especially her grandkids, Alyssa, Nick, and Justin. She is also survived by her loving husband of fifty years, James Bassford Sr. of Arnold; two children Charles (Sheila) Lewis of Mount Airy, and Rebecca Crane of Arnold; four stepchildren Michael Bassford, James (Patricia) Bassford Jr., Shirley (Robert) Newfrock, Barbara (Walter) Wood all of NY, and many step-granchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to many relatives, neighbors, and friends, she is also survived by a special cousin Jean Hott of Millersville, whom she remembered even in the final stages of her dementia when almost all other memories had faded.
Memories of Carol will be fondly cherished by those close to her that saw her welcoming and generous nature to all who entered her home. She will be missed by all of those who were fortunate to have crossed paths with her during their lives.
Friends and family will gather at Lasting Tributes from 10-11 am on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Due to inclement weather forecasts, a brief committal service will take place at 10:50 am at Lasting Tributes. Carol will be interred privately at Crownsville Veteran's Cemetery.
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