Deacon Wilbert Basset, 89, received his reward of eternal rest on Saturday, December 30, 2006, at his residence.

Deacon Bassett was born August 3, 1917, in Baton Rouge, LA to Cortez and Lillie Hatter Bassett.  He moved to Galveston at an early age and attended Central High School, he also attended Radio Trade School, shortly after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in World War II and was honorably discharged as a corporal. When he returned he became employed as a butcher with Hi-Grade Packing Co., K.C. Meat Market and for Perkins Barbeque in Texas City.He was a former member of the St. Lawrence Masonic Lodge #258.
He united with the West Point Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J. F. Sargent.  He served as a Deacon and the church treasurer until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Willie, Nolan, Lloyd, Cortez and Wickliff Bassett; sisters, Celestine Jackson, Emma Levy, Emele Beverly and Mary Battieste.

He is survived by his very devoted and dedicated wife, Juanita Bassett; two daughters, Norvella Lee Simpson of Galveston and Mavis Ruth (Henry) Kendricks of Forth Worth, TX; three grandchildren, Nathaniel (Cynthia) Bassett of Austin, TX, E. Anita (Marc, Sr.) Laws and Norman Singer of Galveston, and several other grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one brother, Lemuel Bassett, Sr. of Bunkie, LA; devoted first cousins, Wilhemina Charles, Leon Bassett and Elbe Bassett all of Galveston; one Godson, Gene Henderson; extended family which were his caregivers, Jeanette Irvin and family, Sandra Smith-Gregory and children, Charles Geneva, Kimberly and Nadine Gregory and Maria Valdez; numerous other cousins, West Point Baptist Church family and many friends.

Visitation will begin at 5PM on Friday, January 5th followed by a memorial service from 7-8 PM at the West Point Baptist Church. A service of Praise and Thanksgiving will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 6, 2007, also at the West Point church with Pastor Kerry W. Tillmon, officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Houston National Cemetery on Monday, January 8, 2007.

Special Thanks To: Deacon Richard (Beatrice) Clark, Jr., Deacon John Robbins, Deacon George White, Clora Otems, Lillia Collins, Ida Marshall, Melvie Graves, UTMB Geriatrics Clinic, Andrea Poindexter, Dr. L. Grumbles, Jeby Home Health and Nurse Patricia Correia, Rev. David (Pat) Everson and the First Union Baptist Church; Rev. Willie L. (Maxine) Brown of Dallas; and the entire Shiloh AME Church family.