Jerome "Joe" Lee Bass

Jerome Lee Bass “Joe”, 75, of Wilson passed away Tuesday morning September 30, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Farmington Heights Church, 910 Raleigh Road Parkway W, Wilson. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson. Pastor Wayne Whitley, Rev. John Mark Horrell, and Elder Spencer Batchelor will officiate.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 – 2:45 p.m. at Farmington Heights Church, Wilson.

Joe was born June 15, 1950, in Wilson County to the late Rev. Alvin Willie and Betty Creech Bass. Joe was never lazy, nor did he ever mind work as evidenced by working at Anderson’s Grocery Store at the young age of 12. After graduating Ralph L. Fike High School in 1969, he attended Wilson Police Academy which resulted in a career in law enforcement as a Police Officer with the City of Wilson Police Department in January 1973. Joe’s attention to detail, his exceptional memory and strong work ethics allowed advancement in law enforcement, receiving recognition, multiple awards including two lifesaving awards and Police Officer of the Year. On his days off, Joe worked with his two brothers in Drywall Construction. Some years later, Joe was promoted to Detective and served in this position until his retirement in July 2005. Joe started his career at Wilson Medical Center in 1993 as a part-time uniform officer in the Emergency Department. During his twenty-nine years at Wilson Medical Center, he held the advancing positions of Security Supervisor, Sergeant, and Safety/Security Lieutenant. Joe left Wilson Medical Center in March of 2024. Having worked all of his life, Joe quickly realized that retirement life was not for him and began employment with Lee Ford of Wilson in September 2024 as concierge driver for the Ford Service Department, a job which he dearly loved.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Alvin Willie and Betty Creech Bass, and sister, Patricia Faye Tedder; brother-in-law, Marion Victor Tedder; great niece, Vivian Coral Bass, and sister-in-law Rochelle E. Woodruff.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Doreen Woodruff Bass, a daughter Jolyn Latoria Bass of New Bern, and two sons, Justin Lee Bass of Greenville and Jonathan Lawson Bass of Wilson; two grandchildren, Nicholas “Nick” Lee Bass and Natalie Elizabeth Bass of Greenville; siblings, Alvin Ravone Bass, Sr. (Janice), Richard “Ricky” G. Bass (Jenny), Debbie B. Bass (Bucky) and Teresa B. Patton (Keith); father and mother-in-law, Johnny F. and Brenda W. Woodruff, and several nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews.

Joe’s hobbies included spending time with family, fishing, deer and duck hunting, baseball, yardwork, the beach, listening to 107.9 Sunday On The Beach, and watching Hank Parker’s fishing show. Joe dedicated his life to serving and protecting the people of Wilson. Joe’s passing has left a deep void among his family, friends, colleagues and the residents he so dearly served. Throughout his career, Joe was known for his unwavering dedication, integrity, and compassion. He not only enforced the law but also sought to build meaningful connections with the community. He was a dependable figure who could always be relied on in the toughest of situations. The people of Wilson and others will remember him as a kind and approachable individual who genuinely cared about their safety and well-being.

Beyond his role in law enforcement, Joe was a person who spread warmth and laughter wherever he went. His friendship was a source of comfort, and his loyalty to those he cared for was unmatched. He brought a sense of calm and confidence to everyone around him, and his presence was a constant reminder of what it means to serve with kindness and honor. Joe’s legacy of service and compassion will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His service, both as an officer and as a friend, will not ever be forgotten.

“The house needs painting, grass needs mowing, where’s he at? He’s Gone Fishin’...

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.