Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 12, 2022

CHARLOTTE – Martha Edna Smoot Bass, 88, died at Hospice House Tuesday, April 12, 2022. She was born October 23, 1933, in Lenoir, NC, the daughter of Earl Roy Smoot and Effie Leach Smoot.

Martha lost her mother at the age of three and was lovingly raised by her uncle Lewis Leach and aunt Mary Leach. She grew up in Charlotte, attended Sacred Heart and was a graduate of Central High School. She began work at Duke Power Company in Charlotte where she met Gary C. Bass. They married August 9, 1958. She left Duke Power to raise their family, returned to work in 1978, and retired in 1989.

Martha loved nature and animals, and she loved gardening. She was lovingly referred to as a “baby whisperer” due to her ability to calm children.

In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband Gary and her son Timothy J. Bass. She is survived by her daughter Julia (Judy) Bass Payne, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

No service is planned at this time.

Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Ave., Charlotte, NC 28226 or Mecklenburg County Humane Society, 2700 Toomey Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.