Jo Bassett

Jo Ann Bassett MOUNDVILLE- Jo Ann Bassett, age 62, of Moundville, was born on August 3, 1953 and died on March 9, 2016. Funeral services will be 4 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South with Chaplain Ron Wilson officiating. Visitation will two hours prior to services at the funeral home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clara and Logan Strickland. She is survived by her husband, Bill Bassett, Tuscaloosa; her son Brian (Christine); granddaughters, Ainsley and Emeline; grandson, Everett, all of Chicago, Ill.; brother, Denzil Strickland; sister, Carolyn Strickland; sisters-in-law, Beth Duffy (Logan) and Mary Stark (Victor); brother-in-law, Norman Bassett (Carole); nephews, Eric Howell (Abby), Tim Stark (Jan) and John Stark; nieces, Claire and Emma Strickland, Dianne Bassett and Susan Stark, and Ellen MacArthur and many great nieces and nephews. Jo Ann Bassett graduated from Tuscaloosa High School (1971) and earned her educational degrees from the University of Alabama. She began her teaching career as a Kindergarten teacher at University Place Elementary School (1976-1986) with The Tuscaloosa City Schools. She continued her professional career as Principal at both Oakdale Elementary School (1986-1994) and Woodland Forrest Elementary School (1994-1999. She was chosen to serve as the Director of Leadership Training for the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) in Montgomery, Alabama. She returned to the Tuscaloosa County Schools as Principal at Englewood Elementary School in 2002 from which she retired in 2014. During her career, she earned many honors and awards, served on numerous educational committees and planned, facilitated and presented multiple workshops for both teachers and administrators. She served as president of the following organizations; Districts III and VII Elementary Principals, Alabama Association of Elementary School Principals and Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. Jo Ann has inspired teachers, staff members, students and family members alike. She is remembered for her positive energy, passion for education and her loving and nurturing nature. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Englewood Elementary School Library or to Hospice of West Alabama.