Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Good Hope Baptist Church in Columbia for Melissa Bass Adams, 45, of Columbia, who passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Interment will be at Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Justin Cameron will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Good Hope Baptist Church.

Melissa's beautiful smile was the first thing you noticed when she walked in a room. Her smile, many talents, and bright personality helped her achieve many accomplishments in her life. From walking across the stage in the Miss Hospitality pageant, to representing Marion County as Junior Miss, she was always a shining light in her community.

Her greatest accomplishment was when she became a mom to Lexi and six years later to Olivia. She loved spending time with her girls and was always their biggest fan, no matter what they were doing. There was no doubt how much she loved her family. She loved with her whole heart.

Melissa was a faithful member of Good Hope Baptist Church. A gifted pianist, she served God and the church in that role for many years. She loved taking walks and just enjoyed being out in nature. She was passionate about books and was an avid reader her whole life, reading her favorites again and again. She probably read "Gone With the Wind" too many times to count. Even though Melissa was a private person, she was always just a phone call away for anyone who needed her.

Melissa was an incredible school teacher for over 20 years in Louisiana and Mississippi. She was dedicated to her students and rarely missed a day of work. No matter the circumstances she would be prepared and ready to teach. In her years spent in the classroom, she shaped the lives of hundreds of children. She loved them all and they loved her in return. She used her last red pen and wrote her last lesson plan at G.W. Carver Elementary School, where she will be missed by her students and coworkers.

In her last Facebook post, Melissa shared a story entitled " The Train". The message of the story is that we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and always offer the best of who we are. Melissa leaves behind the most beautiful memories for her family, friends, students and coworkers that will forever be treasured.

She was preceded in death by her Mother, Ginny Porter Bass; and her Grandparents, Louie & Lou Dean Porter, Earl & Carrie Bell Bass.

She is survived by her two Daughters, Lexi Parvin (James), of Purvis, Olivia Adams, of Columbia; her Father, Wesley Bass (Sandra), of Columbia; one Sister, Kim Shoemake (Stephen), of Sumrall; one Brother, Adam Bass (Connie), of Columbia; and a host of Nieces and Nephews.

Pallbearers will be Greg Watts, Tommy Pennington, Hunter Townsend, Josh Anthony, AJ Bass, and Steve Byrd.

Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.hathornfuneralhome.com