Ellen Rose Phillips Bass

NASHVILLE – Ellen Rose Phillips Bass, age 63, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 18, 2025, after a year-long battle with liver disease.  Born in Nash County, NC on January 26, 1961, she was the daughter of the late Ruffin Price Phillips and Dorothy Jean Parker Phillips.

Ellen was happiness.  She was joy.  Ellen was the most caring wife, mother, aunt, and friend.  She met her true love, Jimi Bass, in 1976 at Sports World skating rink and they were married 11 years later.  Ellen loved her Jesus and served him faithfully all of her days.  She was a member of Arlington Baptist Church where she spent many years sharing the love of Jesus with the children and youth.  Ellen went on several youth mission trips, taught GA’s and Sunday school, sang in the choir and praise band.  She had a 40 year career in the banking industry working as a Mortgage Loan Processor.  Ellen touched the lives of every person she met, her laugh was contagious, and her spirit was warming.  She will be deeply missed by so many that had the honor of knowing her.

Ellen leaves behind to continue her legacy, her husband of 37 years, James “Jimi” C. Bass, Jr.; her daughters, Chandler Jean Bass and Kelsey Brianne Bass; her brothers, Rick Phillips of Lexington and Wyatt Phillips and wife, Gertie, of Rocky Mount; her many in-laws; and her nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

A Celebration of Ellen’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Arlington Baptist Church, 1500 Bethlehem Road, Rocky Mount, NC  27803 with Pastor Mike Stamper and Pastor Scott Scrimpsher officiating.  The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Ellen’s memory to Arlington Baptist Church, 1500 Bethlehem Road, Rocky Mount, NC  27803.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.