Mike Bass Credits His Family for Being the Person He is Today
Born in 1945, Mike grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
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
Mike’s youngest daughter, Louise Bass Lewis, holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Administrative Health from UCF. Currently serving in the federal government, she and her husband Tristan—an Army Veteran and Cyber Security specialist—are active community volunteers.
The couple has two sons, Cornelious and Jonathan, who excel in both academics and athletics. Following in their grandfather’s footsteps, Cornelious is a standout on the football field, while Jonathan competes in both school and AAU basketball.
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
Mike’s sister, Dr. Leah Bass-Baylis, is a Spelman alumna and former Broadway performer with an Ed.D. from USC. She retired in 2019 after a distinguished career as a dancer, arts coordinator, and school principal.
Married to civil designer Doug Baylis, the couple shares 4 children and 10 grandchildren. Their family includes orthopedic surgeon Dr. Milton Little and accomplished UCLA dancer and choreographer Kristin Joy Baylis.
Nephew
Mike’s nephew, Milton, is an orthopaedic trauma surgeon in Los Angeles. A Stanford graduate and former Pac-10 long jump champion, he followed the medical path of Mike’s father by attending the University of Michigan Medical School.
Milton is married to Erica Allen, a Stanford and University of Michigan alumna with a background in Urban Planning and Public Policy. Together, they live in Los Angeles with their three children: Joi Elise, Miles, and Langston.
Niece
Mike’s niece, Jacqlyn Atkins, holds a BS in Psychology from Michigan State and an MPH from UNC Greensboro. With over a decade in public health, she serves as the Community Impact Director for the American Heart Association and founded her own consulting firm, Ingenuity for Health, LLC.
Jacqlyn is married to Daryl Atkins, a Mechanical Engineer at FN America and Indiana State graduate. Residing in Columbia, South Carolina, the couple has two young daughters, Taylor and Kensley.
Cousin
Mike’s cousin, Carmen Benson, is a retired Special Agent and Field Training Officer with a 30-year career in law enforcement. A La Salle University graduate and academy-trained specialist, he holds prestigious memberships in NOBLE and the NJ FOP, and currently serves as a Deacon at Calvary Baptist Church.
His wife, Ervenia, is a renowned gospel artist and former president of the 4,000-member Hampton University Guild. Her storied musical career includes performances at Carnegie Hall and with icons like Dionne Warwick and Shirley Caesar. The couple resides in New Jersey, and Carmen has two sons, including U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Carmen Jr.
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.