Velma Ann Bass

Velma Ann Williams Bass, affectionately known as “Cookie”, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024. She was, one of four girls, born on April 18, 1952, to the late John “Ship” Williams and Mable Woods-Williams. Velma accepted Christ at a very young age. She and her family attended 34th Street Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Ray Robinson.

During her golden years, she was reborn and joined Gaines Street Baptist Church.

Velma graduated from Horace Mann High school. Soon after High School, she had her first daughter, Christa L. Williams, with Allen Nelson. During that pregnancy she met her true soulmate Cecil E. Norwood at the skating rink in 1970. The couple married in 1972, and during their 15 years of marriage, they had one daughter, Kellica Norwood Williams.

Velma enjoyed spending time with her best friend/partner in crime of 60+plus years, Evelyn Woodley Kendall, whom she called “Dirt”. She also loved attending family gatherings, traveling and playing cards. Velma was the “Queen of Spades” when it came to playing cards. Nobody could out talk her or talk more smack than her during a good card game.

In addition to her parents, Velma was preceded in death by her daughter, Christa Williams, grandson, Anthony Riney, III, and two sisters Carolyn Deadmon and Gloria Holmes.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Her daughter, Kellica Norwood Williams (Joe), her (grand)daughter, Chasity Williams, her grandson, Antonio Riney, a nephew who she raised like a son, John Williams, one brother, Andrea Williams, four sisters: Grace Williams, who was her heart and joy, Marsha Poole, Lisa Myers, and Diane Williams, her best friend Evelyn Kendall, her fur baby King, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024, 11:00am at Gaines Street Baptist Church, 1601 S. Gaines Street. The family will receive friends Friday, January 26, 2024 from 6-7pm at Hardy Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 5300 West 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204.