Ms. Pearl Bassett

Pearl Elizabeth Cannon Bassett of 3746 Prince Hall Drive, Marion IN passed from earth to eternity on June 7, 2021, in North Carolina with family by her side. Born to Mary Italy Fleming-Cannon and August Riley Cannon on April 28, 1911, Pearl was the second to the oldest of seven boys and one girl, all of whom preceded her in death. Ms. Bassett graduated from Wabash High School and later attended Poro Beauty School in Cincinnati, OH after her marriage and divorce from Paul Bassett, who preceded her in death nearly 60 years ago. Her education enabled her to establish her own cosmetology business in Marion, which made her one of a few female business owners.

Ms. Bassett was born into a very community-oriented family, where her mother became the first Black registered Democrat voter in Grant County, Indiana. Pearl traveled and lived in many places but her primary residence remained her hometown of Marion, Indiana, the place she loved. A community pillar, Ms. Bassett worked with a small group of Black community leaders to establish the NAACP and Urban League organizations. Over the years she has held various offices in the local and regional offices of both organizations, remaining active in these organizations as well as holding offices in her church, Allen Temple A.M.E., until her transition.

Ms. Bassett lived to campaign for President Obama in both the 2008 and 2012 elections, and she witnessed many changes from segregation to integration, from horse and buggy to the technologies of today. She leaves a legacy of service and a large family village to mourn her including her children Renee (Mudiwa), Nojir Lee(Kathleen), and Paula (Tendai); grandchildren Imani, Nojir, Eritrea, Therron (Soma), Khanya, and Kai; great-grandchildren Sophie, Christina, Ayanna, Michelle, Soma Jamar, Somiya, Maia, Alexis, Alexandria, Nojir II, CaVion, Shalay; great-great-grandchildren Nevah, Calvin, Byron, Najah; nieces and nephews Marcus (Blanche), Jerry, Jesse James (Doris), Jesse Jerome, Paul Jr., Brandon, MaryAnn, Rhonda (Billy), Teresa, Tanya, Delmar (Veronica), Rhett, Becky, Germayne, Paula Renee, Carmelita; great-nieces and nephews Dominique, Tracy, Marceia, Milton, Dino (Daphine), Dion, Kristapher, Ramona, Jonathon, Julie, Cheryl, Quentin,  Dawn Anthony, Nancy, Daryl,  Carmelita, Jesse Jerome, Tanzania, Yohari, Tara, Nourisha, Anthony, Shaun, Tai’Yanna, William Jr. Rinetia, Rikesa, Tamoura, Nona, Roman, Dezmalik, Nokia, Delmar Jr., Tijuan, James, Shalmonik, Deon, Rheticia, Rhett Jr., Lakina, Noah; a host of great-great nieces and nephews; her in-law family; members of her church family and friends, as well as citizens of the City of Marion,IN.
 

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to establish the Pearl Bassett Memorial Scholarship for Marion High School students.

Checks should be noted as scholarship and made payable to:  

Pearl Bassett Scholarship c/o Paula Johnson

3754 Lockerbie Ct.

Fayetteville, NC 28306

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