Jessie Mae Bassford

Jessie Mae Bassford, 82, of Valdosta, died on Saturday, June 15, 2013 following a extended illness. Born in Live Oak, FL on January 19, 1931, Mrs. Bassford grew up at the Advent Christian Children's Home in Dowling Park, FL. She was adopted by loving parents, Hiram & Hattie Downing Green at the age of 4. She grew up in Live Oak before moving to Atlanta to attend Grady Nursing School. She then moved to Valdosta in 1951 where she lived at the Dalton House, with the Dalton family while she attended the Women's Business School. Following graduation, she met and in February of 1953 she married N.L. "Buster" Bassford. They were married for 56 years prior to his death in 2010. Together they owned and operated Bassford Packaging Corporation. Mrs. Bassford was an active member of the First Christian Church where she participated in CWF and the Adventure group. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Bassford also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, fishing, being outdoors and watching birds.
She is survived by two sons and daughters in law, Bud & Joy Bassford and David & Kim Bassford, all of Valdosta; two daughters, Beverly Purdy of Cordele, and Lynn Mims of Cumming; twelve grandchildren, Trey Bassford, Mark (& Jessica) Bassford, Brett Bassford, Downing Bassford, Landon Bassford, Marley Mims, Lee Mims and Jake Mims, all of Valdosta, Jessica Mims (& Geoff) Grow of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Brook Purdy (& Mike) Goodwin, of Savannah, Alison Purdy (& Dave) Pina of Las Vegas, NV and Sam Purdy of Cordele. Also surviving are eight great grandchildren, Stella Bassford, Mason Bassford, Ella Goodwin, Rachel Fachini Purdy, Jordan Purdy, Dee Purdy, Mattie Grow and Colby Grow; a sister in law, Jo Ann Bassford and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Bassford is preceded in death by her husband N.L. "Buster" Bassford, her parents and a grandson, David Purdy. The family would like to recognize with love and appreciation the dedication and care given to the care of our parents by Barbara Marshall, Betty Browning, Mildred Davis, Veda Phelps, Marsha Green, Terri Green and Luke Wisenbaker.
A private graveside service for Mrs. Bassford will be held at Sunset Hill Cemetery. Rev. Chris Michael will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church, 1905 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, GA. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602