Julia Ellen Horton Bass, 70, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, December 17, 2017, with breast cancer. A graveside ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Helena, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Julie was born in Rhine, Georgia, to Pete and Mary Horton. She graduated from Dodge County High School and received her Bachelor of Education in Business from Georgia Southwestern University and Masters of Education from Georgia Southern University. Julie taught 8th grade for one year in Rhine, Georgia, and 11th and 12th grades for nearly 30 years at Telfair County High School in McRae, Georgia. "Mrs. Bass" loved her students and made it her mission to encourage all students but especially those who needed a friend.

In 1967, Julie married Tom Bass, and together they had two children, Kevin and Lydia. "Mimi" was blessed with three grandchildren, Conner, Ty, and Knox Shelton. Julie was a devoted Christian wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 50 years, Tom Bass; her son, Kevin Bass; her son-in-law and daughter, Sheldon and Lydia Shelton; her three grandchildren, Conner Shelton, Ty Shelton, and Knox Shelton; and a number of extended family members. Julie's family especially would like to thank Serenity Hospice Nurse, Rhonda Heath, for her care of their wife, Mom, and Mimi.

The family respectfully asks for privacy during this time.

Please express your condolences online at lowesfuneralhome.net

Lowes Funeral Home in Helena, Georgia, has been entrusted with the arrangements.