Jo Ann Bassham Rigney, surrounded by family, passed peacefully into the Lord’s arms Sunday, November 18, 2018. She was 83.
Jo Ann was born on September 11, 1935 to Roy and Ina Mae Bassham in Colorado City, Texas and grew up in Midland, Tx.
After high school Jo Ann went to Abilene Christian College for her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech Education. While at ACC she met her love and best friend, David, whom she married in December of 1957.
After college Jo Ann began her career as a mother and housewife. In 1974 she, David and their three boys moved to Lake Charles when David was employed by McNeese State University as a professor and later she as the manager of the stock rooms in the Chemistry Department.
Jo Ann was a devoted Christian and attended First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Lake Charles. She loved to sing and was a long-time member of the church choir. She was also involved in the Christian Women’s Fellowship and youth group at the church.
Outside of family and church, Jo Ann’s greatest passion was the theater. She was a mainstay at the Lake Charles Little Theater and A Block Off Broadway in Jennings for over 30 years. She directed, acted in or provided wardrobe for countless productions over the years. Her favorite was “The Belle of Amherst”, a one-woman play on the writings of Emily Dickinson in which she acted and directed.
Jo Ann is survived by her husband of 60 years, David; her three sons and their wives, David Grey, Jr. and Kelly, Lindsey Bruce and Kayla, Ross Eaton and Penny all of Lake Charles; her sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Paul Camp of Amarillo, Texas; six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 10:00 am in the sanctuary of First Christian Church of Lake Charles at 2525 2nd Ave. Visitation will begin at 8:00 am until the time of the service. The Reverend Vince Endris will officiate.
The body was entrusted to Lakeside Funeral Home for cremation.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Home Instead Senior Care, Christus Hospice and Harbor Hospice.
In lieu of flowers the family asks you to donate to The Calcasieu Community Clinic.