Edwina Bassett

Edwina Acker Bassett, 86, passed away on March 3, 2026, in Riverton, Utah. Born on August 28, 1939, in Bessemer, Alabama, to Evelyn Elizabeth Dickey Acker and Emery Oscar Acker, she was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 1, 1948, in a creek near her home. Bright, intelligent, and witty, Edwina excelled in writing, poetry, theater, and journalism. She served as editor of her high school newspaper and was a member of the National Honor Society. She first met her future husband, William Lynn Bassett, while he was serving as a missionary in her branch. After his mission, they corresponded by mail throughout her junior and senior years of high school while he served overseas in the United States Army. She later attended Brigham Young University and married Lynn on June 10, 1959, in the Manti Utah Temple.

Together, Edwina and Lynn built a life centered on faith, family, and service, living in Utah, California, and Georgia while raising their five children: Laurie Gail, William Mark, David Brandon, Jennifer Lynne, and Clayton Emery. Her devotion to Jesus Christ was evident throughout her life as she served in Sunday School, Young Women, Relief Society, and Primary. She served faithfully as a temple ordinance worker in the Bountiful Utah Temple and the Atlanta Georgia Temple for more than twenty years, including as assistant to the matron of the Atlanta Georgia Temple from 2006 to 2011.

Edwina loved singing, reciting and writing poetry, solving crossword puzzles, cooking for her family, and sharing her famous fudge. Above all, she cherished her family and neighbors, remembering birthdays and the smallest details that made each child and grandchild feel known and loved. She found deep fulfillment in her work with the Children’s Service Society of Utah, helping to place children with adoptive families. Many who knew her described her as an angel on earth, whose quiet holiness and gentle light followed her wherever she went.

In her final moments, Edwina bore a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ, God’s plan, and eternal families, expressing joyful anticipation of being reunited with her recently departed sister, her mother and other siblings, and especially her father, who passed away when she was ten. She is survived by her husband Lynn, her companion of 67 years, and her five children: Laurie Cooper (Mitch), Mark (Angie), David (Raina), Jennifer Moore (Sherman), and Clayton (Janelle). She leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Her life was one of steady faith, devoted discipleship, and Christlike ministering.