Debrah Ann Bassett

Sunrise: May 10, 1953—Sunset: March 11, 2023

"Come by here, my Lord, come by here (3x). Oh, Lord, come by here. Someone needs You,

Lord, come by here (3x). Oh, Lord, come by here. Someone's prayin', Lord, come by here (3x).

Oh, Lord, come by here. Someone's cryin', Lord, come by here (3x). Oh, Lord, come by here."

Debrah (Manuel) Bassett, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, was born on May 10, 1953, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Sherman and Thelma Manuel. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 11, 2023, at the age of 69. Early in life, Debrah came to know Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at BeeBe CME Church, Muskogee OK.

It soon became evident that Debrah was a vessel that produced good-natured humor and did not shy away from easy-tough conversations driven by intense love. Undeniably, Debrah was a beacon of warmth, love, and generosity shared with family, friends, and strangers alike. Debrah's bright spirit and zest for life left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Growing up and into adulthood, Debrah loved being a Muskogee South-Side Girl. Debrah attended Manual Training School, where she excelled and was known for her sharp humor and compassionate nature, and she attended Connor State College.

Two years after graduating high school, Debrah attended a Gap Band concert where she met and instantaneously fell in love with Donald Bassett, a Vietnam War Veteran. Three months later, on February 23, 1974, Debrah and Donald were married. They immediately began their family with the arrival of their daughter, Dondra Bassett, on December 11, 1974. Thirteen years later, they completed their family with the birth of Donald (DJ) Bassett, Junior, born on December 29, 1987.

Debrah's devotion to her family was unwavering, and she took great joy in attending her children's recitals, sporting events, and church activities. Debrah was also famous for planning and throwing festive parties for her husband and children. It did not matter that her children's birthdays fell in December. Debrah never let Christmas overshadow her children's birthdays: they always had parties. She even loved putting on spectacular Halloween bashes for her children where she would serve her famous punch, notoriously spiked with dry ice.

Debrah was a dedicated homemaker but also worked as a Muskogee Paraprofessional and Bus Driver for Head Start. She believed in community service and loved politics. She was a trusted Campaign Volunteer for many local politicians who would knock on her front door to enlist her aid in obtaining votes. Her community service also extended to her beloved church congregation of BeeBe CME, where she served as Church Bus Driver, Kitchen Lead, and Musical Coordinator for church productions.

She loved singing in the church choir and playing the piano. Debrah also enjoyed cooking and baking. A few of her specialties included pound cake, sweet potato pies, turkey and dressing, cabbage, black-eyed peas, and fried chicken. Her fried chicken on white bread was everything. When Donald became a firefighter and had to work 24-hour shifts, Debrah would faithfully make Donald a plate of food and take it to him. She ensured it was rim-clean before she and Dondra went to the fire station. Debrah enjoyed sitting with family and friends on her front porch, where they could enjoy hearing her windchimes dance in the wind. Debrah loved flowers and making her yard pretty but was petrified of worms. She could quickly deal with a snake before dealing with a worm, indicating her tough and tender nature.

Debrah is preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Thelma Manuel; husband, Donald J. Bassett, Senior; brother, Leslie (Cash) Manuel; her sisters, Patricia (Pat) Reed [Alford, deceased] and Joyce (Pepper) Shannon [Wayne]; and nephew, Raphiel Manuel.

Those remaining to uphold a lifetime of cherished memories are her daughter, Dondra Bassett, and son, Donald J. Bassett, Junior (DJ); her sisters, Shelia Manuel-Crutcher and Sherry Manns [LeRoy]; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dearly loved friends.

Family and friends will forever remember Debrah Ann Bassett's love, warmth, and spirit.

The Sacred Farewell for Mrs. Bassett will commence on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Tenth Hour in the most holy sanctuary of BeBee CME Church in Muskogee.

The Christian Committal will immediately follow the services in the Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may visit Debrah, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Muskogee on Friday, March 24, 2023, between the hours of 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM.