Michelle LaDawn Brown Bass

Michelle LaDawn Brown Bass, born on February 7, 1974, in West Monroe, LA, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 19, 2025, at the age of 51.

Michelle, affectionately known by her husband Whit as “Shelley,” was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished daughter and sister, and a true friend to many. She was married to the love of her life, Whit Bass, and together they built a home filled with faith, joy, and purpose. She was the proud and adoring mother of two beautiful daughters, Hannah and Aaron Sophia, who were the treasures of her heart.

She is preceded in death by her father, William “W.T.” Brown, and grandmother, Claudia Beth Williams Keith. 

Michelle is survived by her husband, Whit; her daughters, Hannah and Aaron Sophia; her mother, Bonnie Brown; her sister, LaDawn Jones (Jimmy); her parents-in-law, Lank and Cindy Bass; brother-in-law, Caleb Bass (Blakelynn), brother-in-law, Will Bass; nieces and nephews, Stacee Jones, Kacee Jones Pakunpanya (Jonathan), Conor Bass, Jasmine Bass, Jade Bass, Ollie Bass, and great-niece Esther Pakunpanya; and many close friends and extended family members who loved her dearly.

A proud alumna of Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana Monroe), Michelle was actively involved in student leadership. She served as Secretary and later President of the Student Government Association and was honored to serve on the university’s Homecoming Court—reflecting both her leadership and the respect she earned from her peers. Michelle graduated from NLU with a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law and from ULM with a master’s degree in History. Her intellect, curiosity, and drive to grow were evident in everything she pursued.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Michelle loved the Lord with all her heart and lived each day with a desire to glorify Him. Her relationship with Christ was central to her life and evident in her love for others, her words of encouragement, and her servant-hearted spirit. She and Whit worked together in ministry, and Michelle had a gift for speaking and for reaching others with her warmth and genuine loving spirit.

Michelle was a beautiful person, inside and out. She carried herself with grace, warmth, and strength, and her smile could light up a room. She was creative, innovative, and industrious—always seeking to make the world around her better and more beautiful. She loved to garden and had a deep appreciation for healthy living, often sharing her love for nourishing foods and natural products with those around her. She created a line of organic, natural lip balm that reflected her belief in health and wellness. At the time of her passing, she was in the process of developing a complementary line of facial products—an extension of her passion for healthful living and self-care. Her lifestyle was a reflection of her belief in caring for both the body and the soul.

Michelle was a gifted writer, passionate photographer, and devoted mother who poured her heart into every endeavor she undertook. She homeschooled her daughters with dedication, cultivating not only their education but also a deep bond and a strong foundation rooted in Christ, creativity, and curiosity.

Funeral services to honor Michelle’s life will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Rayville. Visitation and memorial services will take place from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM with Dr. Justin Clark and Rev. J.T. Strong officiating. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe, LA, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Rayville.

Michelle’s life was a radiant testimony of faith, love, and resilience. Her memory will be forever cherished, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Serving as pallbearers will be Caleb and Conor Bass, Clayton, Parker, Seth, and Hudson Spillers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to He Still Rescues Ministry through Covenant Life Fellowship at clfdisciples.org, in care of Whit or Hannah Bass.