Betty Jane Bass

June 23, 1934 - January 9, 2026

Betty Jane Bass, 91, of Beaumont, passed away peacefully on Friday January 9, 2026, in Beaumont, Texas at the Harbor Hospice facility.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and R.G. Clark; sister, Helen C. Stone; sister, Annie Laura Phelps; and brother, R.G. Clark.

Survivors include her sister, Sarah Kieschnick; brother, George R. Clark and his wife, Jackie; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was born on June 23, 1934, in Magnolia Springs, Texas in her parent’s farmhouse. She was the fourth sibling of six born to Mary Jean Wiley and Robert Griffen Clark

After graduating from Kirbyville High School, she moved to Beaumont to be with her older siblings and start a career. She had several jobs including Kinsel Motor Company before a long career at Gulf States Utilities. Her tenure at GSU was from 1961 until her retirement in 1994. She retired in the Engineering Department as a Draftsman. While at GSU she attended Lamar Tech for courses associated with her work. She also was a part-time evening operator at Thompson Answering Service during many years while still working at GSU.

Betty had several passions in life, and one was being involved with Southern Gospel Music. She was an accomplished piano player and singer. She performed at many churches and was a member of the Glad Tidings Trio performing locally and regionally at churches and singing conventions. She attended music schools on the Gulf Coast. She always was in attendance at local revivals and concerts over the years.

Another passion was the “Old Home Place” or the “The Farm”. On holiday weekends, she was present for cooking, pea shelling and gossiping on the porch with her brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, and nieces. She was involved with all the family.

In Beaumont, she was active presiding over her HOA groups. This passion kept her up to date on local happenings and issues around the city. She met many people in positions with the city of Beaumont and could call on them anytime.

Betty attended many churches in the area. They were not always of the same denominations, but she was in church. She loved to hear the gospel preached and to hear the music.

The family would like to thank Baptist Hospital, Harbor Hospice, Vital Steps Home Care and the various sitters provided over the past two years.

Memorial contributions may be made to Magnolia Springs Cemetery, Attention to Robin Smathers, 2031 FM 1013, West Kirbyville, Texas 75956.

A gathering of Ms. Bass’ family and friends will begin 10:00 a.m. with her funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m., at Magnolia Springs Cemetery, FM 1005, Magnolia Springs. Servings as pallbearers will be Robert Clark, Stuart Kieschnick, Thad Kieschnick, Todd Kieschnick, Wade Kieschnick, Craig Phelps, Rick Phelps, and David Stone.

Video

Download Program

Gathering of Family and Friends

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • January 13, 2026
  • 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Funeral Service

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • January 13, 2026
  • 11:00 am

Graveside Service

Magnolia Springs Cemetery – Magnolia Springs
  • Farm to Market Road 1005, Texas,
  • January 13, 2026
  • 2:00 pm

Comments (9)

    Robbie Cantue Wagner says:

    I met Betty Bass seven years ago, and what a blessing she has been to me.
    I already miss her so much. She was a good friend who dropped nuggets of love ❤️, wisdom and kindness everytime we met. I am so glad that God ordained our paths to cross. Heaven has received another Angel 😇 and warrior . Love you Betty rest well.

    Sharon Thomas says:

    I met Betty many years ago as a customer of my store. Betty’s sister, Helen, and my mother were roommates at Summer Place. Betty and I spent many afternoons together when we were both visiting our relatives. Betty would always brighten the room with her smile and especially when she brought enormous bags of cheetos which Helen and my mother devoured with great enthusiasm. Betty was a kind and caring person who will be missed and I thank her for all her kindness.

    Annie LaVigne says:

    Mary Jane & David, Sorry to hear of the loss of your Aunt Betty. May she Rest in Peace.

    Yolanda Marks says:

    I didn’t know Betty for long but I thank God for the short time I got to know her she taught me the power of forgiveness and how not to have fear and to be able to tell my testimony to others and not be embarrassed I was one of her caregivers and she was indeed very special ❤️

    Pam Shelander says:

    I met Mary Jane when we were 14 years old, and it wasn’t long after we became good friends before she began sharing stories about her Aunt Betty, and her Aunt Sarah. Aunt Betty was a second Mom to Mary and David, and I know they will miss her tremendously. As an adult, Aunt Betty reached out to me a few times because she and I had similar views on what was going on in Beaumont politics. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I know everyone who was fortunate enough to know her will miss her.

    Jana Ocampo says:

    I was one of Ms. Betty’s caregivers from Vital Steps. She was a precious woman. When I first was introduced to her she said, “Do you know Jesus? If you don’t you will when you leave here!” We spent many nights watching preachers and christian singers. She will be missed by many… Love, Jana Ocampo

    Sandra Conn says:

    Betty, a coworker of mine at Gulf States Utilities for many years, during these last years Betty was my Vice-President/Program Chairman for our GSU/Entergy Retirees group.
    Betty, a very friendly, caring and helpful person, knowing her was a pleasure.
    Praying for family, May you find peace during this time of loss.

    Pam Parish says:

    Betty was one of the first neighbors who greeted me when I moved into the townhouse right next door to her in January 2018! When I travelled out of town, she would wait for me to arrive home before she went to bed. We shared many fun outings together every Saturday afternoon with another dear friend, as their health permitted. A woman of God, she is playing her piano in Heaven. I will miss her sweet smile and warm hugs…

    Katy/Mark Jefferson says:

    Betty was no doubt a dear friend of mine for 40+ years, her weekly visits I will hold close to my heart forever. Rest in peace my sweet friend and know you are loved by so many. You prayed over many people in your lifetime and for that we are forever grateful!
    ~Mark and Katy Jefferson

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