Joyce Bass Henley

Joyce Bass Henley passed away peacefully on July 11, 2023. She was born July 29, 1935 in Danville,
Virginia to Horace and Stuart Bass. Joyce loved being big sister to her two younger brothers, Carl and
Steve, and growing up in this small southern Virginia community where she made many lasting
friendships and fond memories. She loved to recount the fun she had as captain of her cheerleading
team, editor of the yearbook and being a member of the Sub-Deb Club.

Joyce continued her education at her beloved Randolph Macon Women’s College where she was active
in Chi Omega Sorority. Soon after arriving at RMWC she met the love of her life, Bill, at nearby
Washington and Lee University. Joyce and Bill were happily married for 63 years.
In the early years of their marriage, Bill and Joyce primarily lived in Birmingham, Alabama and
Richmond, Virginia. Later in 1969, they moved their family of five to Tampa, Florida. Upon settling in
Tampa, Joyce immediately began serving in the community and building lasting and cherished
friendships. Among the things she was actively involved with are Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church,
Community Bible Study, Weeder’s Garden Club, The So Ho Friend Group, Mustard Seed Bible Study,
Young Life, Salvation Army Auxiliary, and Meals on Wheels.

But her most impactful role was being a devoted mother to her three children, Devany, Amy, and Jeff.
As her family grew, so did her influence and impact. Her children and grandchildren remember their
“Mimi” being at every sports game, musical performance, and every important event in their lives as
their biggest fan and cheerleader.

Throughout Joyce’s life she suffered with severe rheumatoid arthritis, however, she never let that limit
or define her. Her strong Christian faith defined the essence of who she was and where she looked for
her strength and courage and hope. She was a living example to us all of Romans 12:12:

“Be joyful in hope,
Patient in affliction,
Faithful in prayer.”

We rejoice in knowing with certainty that Joyce is free from all pain and suffering, and with her loving
Savior, Jesus Christ.

“No eye has seen,
No ear has heard,
No mind has conceived

the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9

Joyce is survived by her children, Devany Henley Groves, Amy Henley Lerom, Stuart Jeffries Henley
(Julie); her grandchildren, Henley Groves McKnight (Todd), Lauren Groves Van Der Sluys (Nathan),
William Matthew Lerom, Daniel Jeffries Lerom, David Armstrong Lerom (Catherine), Callie Henley
Adams (Jackson), Gracie Henley Hastings (Will); six great-grandchildren; and her beloved brothers, Carl
Stuart Bass (Brenda) and Stephen Garland Bass (Wanda). Joyce was predeceased by her father, Horace
Greely Bass, her mother, Stuart White Bass, her beloved husband, William (Bill) Armstrong Henley, and
her son in law, Fletcher Leonard Groves III.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Northdale Rehabilitation Center for all their
compassion, love, and care provided.

A Celebration of Joyce's life will be held at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, 3501 W. San Jose Street,
Tampa, FL 33629, on Saturday, August 5th at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Young Life of South Tampa, 3501 W. San Jose Street,
Tampa, Florida 33629, or Meals on Wheels 5320 North Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33603.