| Notes |
- Dallas Morning News
December 27, 2010
Willie Ford Bassett Sparkman
(Picture included)
Sparkman, Willie Ford Bassett - Willie Ford Bassett Sparkman, daughter of the Texas heartland and indomitable spirit, left this life on December 22, 2010. Born in Kosse, Texas. She was the last of her family and final proprietor of the 136 year old Bassett Farm at Kosse. Her husband, renowned Baylor surgeon Dr. Robert Satterfield Sparkman, preceded her in death; as did her parents Willie Ford Bassett and Lula Harper Bassett; and sisters Zelma Bassett Moore (Mrs. Ramsay Hudson Moore) and Hattie Ford Bassett. At Southern Methodist University she pledged the Chi Omega sorority and graduated with a major in music. She and sister Hattie made their Idlewild Debut in 1935. Willie Sparkman was active in the Junior League of Dallas, the Junior League Garden Club, Dallas Woman's Club and numerous other organizations, notably the women's auxiliaries of the Dallas County Medical Alliance, Texas Medical Association, Southern Surgical Society, and American Medical Association. She was a lifelong Presbyterian. She managed the Bassett Farm following the death of sister Zelma in 1988. Her life was guided by principles forged in often difficult times. One of her opinions was that a lady did not reveal her age, farm acreage, or herd size. Willie Sparkman bequeathed her estate to Preservation Texas with the request that a small museum be created to acquaint future generations with pioneer Texas farm life. Friends of Willie Sparkman may send memorials in her honor to: Preservation Texas, P.O. Box 12832, Austin, Texas 78711. Heartfelt appreciation is extended to caregivers Linda Cole, Susan Brown, and Jean Baylor. Honorary pallbearers: Donald Ray Allen, Marvin Hugh Stone, and former surgical residents of Dr. Robert S. Sparkman: John Bryan Barnett, M.D., John Charles O'Brien, M.D., Andrew Buchanan III, M.D., and Bruce Allen Smith, M.D. There will be an opportunity to pay your respects, Tuesday, December 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home. Graveside services will be Wednesday, December 29, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Restland Memorial Park.
A Family History of Limestone County, Volume One
Henry Bassett
The Henry Bassett family was originally from England, and came to Texas when it was a new frontier.
The John Harper family, for religious reasons, left Ireland and settled in Kosse, Texas.
The Bassett family bought land three miles west of Kosse, and built the first brick house in Limestone County, over one hundred years ago. The family has continued to maintain and live in the home.
Henry and Hattie Ford Bassett lived in the house and had three sons. Only one son survived. He, Willie Ford, lived in the house all of his life. The oldest son died in early adulthood, and the middle son died when he was 12 years old. Willie Ford Bassett died in 1967, and his wife, Lula Harper Bassett, died in 1969.
Willie Ford and Lula had three daughters. Zelma Bassett married a prominent Texas pediatrician, Dr. Ramsay Hudson Moore of Dallas. He died in 1965. He was one of the founders of Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Willie Ford Bassett married Dr. Robert S. Sparkman of Dallas, a widely known surgeon. A chair of surgery was established in his honor at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for his many contributions to the Baylor department of surgery. Hattie Ford Bassett, the youngest daughtter, died in 1975.
Willie Ford Bassett owned one of the first cars in Limestone County. It was a white Buick with much brass trimmings.
The family endured hardships and droughts throughout the century. A sad time was when the government program destroyed cattle and paid seven dollars per head for them. A tragic time was when the landmark home was robbed in the 1970's of family heirlooms that the family treasured and had worked hard to have in the home.
The land was mostly in cultivation until the Cotton Conservation program made it difficult for land owners. It is now pasture land. The H-lazy-B cattle brand, is one of the oldest continuously used brands in Central Texas by the Bassett family.
The three Bassett daughters were inspired by their family to do their best in whatever they undertook. They have had a wide and an active interest in historical, philanthropic, cultural, civic, educational and social affairs in the State and the Country.
The family has always participated in the Kosse community programs.
The three Bassett daughters were recognized by being listed in "The Texas Women of Distinction", and in the "Who's Who of American Women".
Written by Mrs. Robert Sparkman
|
Bassett Family Association Database
1923 - 2010 (87 years)