fAMILY

His parents, Thomas, now deceased, and Louise Bass, instilled in Mike a strong sense of purpose, dedication, perseverance, and pride of accomplishment. Mike's parents were very strong role models.

Thomas, now deceased, was a graduate of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, earned an additional degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan, and practiced medicine in Ypsilanti for over 40 years.

Mike's mother, Louise, also deceased, was a graduate of Hampton (Institute) University in Hampton, Virginia and taught school in Ypsilanti for over 30 years. She was a very strong woman, who passed this strength, including passion, to be the very best with the talents given Mike, Ann, and Leah. Her fortitude and advice has lived on in all that had crossed her path.

Mike Bass credits his family for being the person he is today.

Born in 1945, Mike grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Mike is very proud of his family and their accomplishments. He would like to share with you those closest to him, including their families.

Wife

Mike's wife, Rosita, is the cornerstone and foundation of Mike's family. Having renewed a relationship,which began over 55 years ago, in the 1950's, when both were children, Rosita is that loving and reliable partner, who has a unique perspective on all that face professional athletes, retired or otherwise.

Eldest Daughter

Kimberly, Mike's eldest daughter, is a graduate of Furman University and where she obtained a degree in Psychology and Gender Studies. She also has a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Kimberly has a passion for helping people thrive at work and achieve their personal and professional goals. She loves volunteering with local organizations that assist women in ending the cycle of poverty and providing coaching to women and small business owners. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, powerlifting, biking, live music, theatre and being a foodie.

Youngest Daughter

Louise Bass Lewis, Mike's youngest daughter, is a graduate of the University of Central. At UCF, she earned both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in Administrative Health and is currently employed by the federal government. Louise is married to Tristan Lewis, an Army Veteran, who, during his service, was deployed twice to Germany and Afghanistan. Tristan is a specialist in Computer Cyber Security. Louise and her family enjoy traveling, spending time with close family and friends, and volunteering at local organizations.

Louise and Tristan have two teenage sons, Cornelious and Jonathan. Both excel in academics and their extracurricular activities. Like their grandfather, Cornelious and Jonathan have keen interests in, are very passionate about, and are dedicated to their respective sports. Cornelious plays football for his high school team and Jonathan plays basketball for both his school during the season and his Amateur Athletic Union team year round.

Eldest Sister

Ann, Mike's sister and 2 years his junior, completed an illustrious career in Educational Administration and teaching. She continued her work in education as a Consultant to State Departments, University Lecturer and Project participant with OSERS. Currently, Ann writes and procures grants for public and private institutions. Her husband Richard Berutti holds Masters Degrees in Education and Reading. He recently retired after 30 plus years of dedication to the Education Profession.

Younger Sister

Leah Bass-Baylis, Mike’s younger sister, graduated from Spelman College in 1976 with a BA in Child Development. She enjoyed a career in theater as a dancer, singer, actress, and choreographer. Her credits include a stint on the Broadway stage in The Tap Dance Kid, numerous national and international tours, and performing at the 1996 Academy Awards. Leah has also enjoyed a career as an educator and was the first Coordinator of Dance in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). She has taught and been an administrator in preschool through high school. She was the inaugural Principal of Carlos Santana Arts Academy and retired from LAUSD in 2019. She holds a MA in Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, a MS in Educational Administration from Pepperdine University, and an Ed. D in Educational Leadership and Organizational Change from Rossier School of Education at USC.

Leah is married to Doug Baylis, who is a civil designer and project delivery specialist focusing on water and waste water treatment and delivery for private clients throughout the world. Doug graduated with an Associates Degree in architecture, civil engineering, and surveying from Lawrence Institute of Technology. Together they have 4 children and 10 grandchildren. Their oldest son is Dr. Milton Little, who, along with his family, are represented below. Their youngest daughter, Kristin Joy Baylis, is an accomplished dancer and choreographer with extensive experience in a variety of dance genres, including ballroom and modern dance, jazz, hip hop, ballet, and tap. She is working towards completing her BA in World Arts and Cultures from UCLA.

Nephew

Mike's nephew, Milton, graduated from Stanford University in 2003 with a BS in Biology and was a Pac-10 long jump champion as well as two-time captain of the Stanford track team. Following Stanford he attended University of Michigan Medical School following the career path of Mike's father Dr. Thomas Bass. Milton completed his orthopaedic residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City followed by an Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship at Harborview Medical Center/University of Washington. He is currently an orthopaedic trauma surgeon and the Director of the Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Milton is married to the former Erica Allen. Erica, like Milton, graduated from Stanford with a BA in Urban Planning. Also, she graduated from the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy with a MS in Public Policy. Milton and Erica have have 3 children, Joi Elise (9), Miles (8), and Langston (4).

Niece

Jacqlyn Atkins, Mike's niece and daughter of Leah and Doug, graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology. Shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and gaining career experience, Jacqlyn obtained a Masters of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Jacqlyn has over ten years of experience in the field of Public Health and is currently the Community Impact Director for the Midlands American Heart Association in Columbia, South Carolina. In addition, Jacqlyn is the founder of Ingenuity for Health, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to creating health equity through innovation.

Jacqlyn is married to Daryl Atkins, who graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He currently works as a Mechanical Engineer at FN America, in Columbia, South Carolina. Together, they have 2 beautiful daughters, Taylor (5), and Kensley (19 months).

Cousin

Carmen Benson is the cousin of Mike & nephew of Mike's father. He has been married for 18 years to the former Ervenia Glover, who is renowned in the gospel music venue. Carmen graduated from La Salle University with a BA in Business Administration & Management. Thereafter, he pursued a 30-year career in law enforcement with the Conrail Railroad Police in Newark, NJ, which merged with the Norfolk Southern Railroad Police. During that tenure, Carmen became a Special Agent & Field Training Officer Specialist. Also, he attended the New York State Police Academy, the Pennsylvania State Police Academy & retains memberships in NOBLE ( National Organization Black Law Enforcement Executives) & NJ FOP Lodge # 46, P B A Local 600 ( Retired Police Officers).

Ervenia, who, in Mike'smy eyes, is one of the most avid Washington Football Team fans that ever existed. Also, she is a 50-year member & former president of the Hampton University Choir Directors & Organists Guild, which consists of over 4,000 musicians & singers. Ervenia's professional credits include stage, radio & television performances at Carnegie Hall, Giants Stadium, Symphony Hall, Tavern On The Green & more with celebrities & artists, including Bill Clinton, Barbara Streisand, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Shirley Caesar, Kirk Carr, Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, Dionne Warwick, just to mention a few. Carmen & Ervenia have been members of the Calvary Baptist Church in Garfield, NJ for over 25 years, where she is Director of Music & he serves as a Deacon. Carmen has 2 adult sons, Walter York and Carmen Jr., who is a U.S. Army Staff Sgt.

I hope, in revealing my family to you, you will come to appreciate how much of an affect my family has had in making me who I was, who I am, and who I want to be. In introducing you to my family, I hope you can share some of my feelings and bring your own family members closer to your heart.