Clarice E. Bass

Clarice Elizabeth Patterson Bass was born on February 26, 1926, in Baltimore, Maryland. She was one of five children born to the union of the late Clarence and Catherine (Pindel) Patterson. Clarice attended local public schools, was a proud graduate of Frederick Douglass High School, and she received a Bachelors Degree from what was Morgan State College. Clarice accepted Christ in her early years, and attended Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Baltimore with her brother and sisters. Later, she chose to unite with Providence Baptist Church on the corner of Edmondson and Fremont Avenue, where she was baptized in 1939 when she was 13 years old. As she grew older, she found her niche in serving as leader of the Brownie Troop #504 during the years from 1954-1965. Her involvement with Daily Vacation Bible School included supervising games and recreational activities and assisting with the closing fellowship. Additionally, she was an instructor for Providence’s “Expanded Session”, an innovative educational program for children that took place while the regular worship service was in progress. Her Christian commitment was also demonstrated through her earlier participation in the church’s music ministry and the Dorcas Auxiliary. Clarice used her training to gain employment as a physical education teacher in the Westminster Public School System. In Baltimore, she served as a sought after substitute teacher in the local public school system, and she retired from a position of U.S. Postal Service clerk. Clarice was happily married to the late Gold Leroy Bass, Sr., on August 16, 1947. The children from their marriage were Gold Jr., Carlene, Keith, Aaron, Juernene (Chippy), and Clarence. She fondly adored her children and loved her role as a caring, compassionate, and supportive mother. Her children recall that their mother loved “The Wheel of Fortune” television program. She was superior in solving the most difficult crossword puzzles and she enjoyed completing board puzzles. She remained athletic with bowling and loved to dance. Her favorite card game was Pinochle and she absolutely adored being the mistress of ceremonies at various events with her participation in the Postal Union and Frederick Douglas Class of 1943 Reunions. Luxurious cruise ship excursions were Clarice’s preferred mode of travel. Cruises to Mexico and the Bahamas remained among her treasured memories. Outings with her Red Hatter group also enriched her life. It is remembered that Clarice was seen as being multi-talented. She created beautiful fashionable dresses and baby clothes for her family and friends, made curtains and draperies, was an excellent cook and could style hair in a manner that was amazing. Clarice never lost her desire to attend Sunday worship services and her countenance glowed on those occasions when her family brought her to engage with her church family. She remained kind, loving and sweet natured. She transitioned to the Eternal Home on Friday, July 29, 2016 at the Chapel Hill Nursing Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gold Sr., two sons, Aaron Sr., and Clarence Bass; one brother, Joseph Patterson, and two sisters, Florence Owings and Martha Alston. Clarice leaves to cherish her memory: one sister, Catherine R. Creigler; one sister-in-law, June Bass; four children, Gold Jr., Carlene Cheek, Keith, and Juernene; one God-daughter, Marsha Contee White; one son-in-law, William Cheek; ten grandchildren, Thomas Hall III, Toiya, Aaron Jr., Eric, Clarice Bridges-Toms, Samuel Ferrell (Turine), David, Traci Cheek, and Sonia Johnson; fourteen great-grandchildren, Sophia, Toiyon, Alagra, Aiyna, Eric Jr., Ridge, Hailee, Ty’kei, Darian, Skylar, Bailey, Daelin, Carter, and Carli; nieces, nephews, life-long BFF/Sister-friends, Barbara Sheffey Leak and Agnes Welch, and a host of relatives and friends.

Tributes

Clarice E. Bass

February 26, 1926 - July 29, 2016