Penny Carroll Bass was born on July 6, 1967, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Donna K. (Miller) Whichard and Donald Lee Payne Sr. At the age of 58, on March 1, 2026, the Lord welcomed Penny into eternal rest. Granting her an everlasting peace that we all hope to know.

She was preceded in death by her father, grandmother (Sallie Mae Alexander-Kinnard), her grandfathers and her three uncles.

Penny began her education overseas in Augsburg and Mannheim Germany, where she lived for over 10 years as a military dependent while her mother served in the U.S. Army. After returning to the United States, she completed her education in Hardin County, graduating from North Hardin High School, alongside her brother.

While living abroad in Germany and traveling with her mother and brother, Penny created fond memories that lasted a life time. She decided after graduating to make Radcliff her permanent home to raise her children and continue a family with her loving husband, Brian Bass.

She dedicated herself to a loving and lasting marriage to Brian, on September 22nd, 1989. They created a union and took on life’s greatest endeavor of love to nurture and grow their family. Family meant everything to Penny. At the heart of that love was Brian and her five children. Her affection and love was felt no less by her caring mother and extended family.

Penny treasured time spent with her children watching her favorite TV shows such as the "Twilight Zone", shopping at thrift stores and spending time visiting with her favorite aunts, Joane and Deanne, and other extended family. Music was her soul. She loved all kinds—old school and new school. She loved working with all people; however, she took special care for those who could not themselves. Penny worked for Community Alternative of Kenutcky/RESCARE for over 20 years until health problems regrettably forced her to retire at the tender and young age of 48.

Penny will be deeply missed by her loving and devoted husband Brian Bass; her children, Ursula M. Miller (James), Micah Williams, Brian David Bass, Myles Kristopher K. Bass, Salli Marie L. Bass; her mother, Donna K. Whichard (William "Bill"); her brother David A. Thompson Jr. (Letitia); three stepsisters, Shanique Whichard, Altonise Whichard, and Monique Whichard Curr; her aunts Joane Hanton, Deanne “Dee Dee” White (Kirk), Karrolle Miller-King, and Tammy Jo Miller-Smith (Tim); and by her uncles,  Kim Miller, Barry Kinnard, Gregory Kinnard, Nick, Mark, and Tasheem Miller. She is also survived by her namesake and sole surviving great aunt Penny Alexander-Dean-Ellis.

Penny wasn’t just a grandmother, mother, sister, or daughter. She was a strong woman who had dreams and ambitions, who has made many sacrifices for the people she loved. She not only showed this through kind words but proved it through her actions, pouring her love and kindness into all the people in her life. 

Penny's legacy of her love for her family will always be remembered and asked to choose love, peace, and soul..spread kindness and JOY, Romans 15:13.

Services will be private.