Myrtice Gleeson

Myrtice Bass Gleeson, 96, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, following a brief illness.

Myrtice was born on October 10, 1929, in Woodland, Alabama, to the late Colonel William Bass and Bessie Rampy Bass. She was the youngest of three children, joining her two older brothers, Willard M. Bass and Calvin L. Bass, both of whom preceded her in death. She was raised in the close-knit town of Woodland, surrounded by family, friends, and the values that shaped her throughout her life.

After graduating from Woodland High School, Myrtice moved to Atlanta to attend business school. Upon earning her associate's degree, she began working as a secretary. It was there that fate intervened. George Gleeson was working part-time at Fulton Plumbing while attending Georgia State University. Their businesses shared a parking lot, and after watching the beautiful brunette come and go each day, George decided he had to introduce himself. He asked her out, and the rest was history.

Myrtice and George were married on September 17, 1949, in Roswell, Georgia, beginning a loving partnership that lasted nearly 64 years until George's passing in August 2013. He was truly the love of her life. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to their community.

Myrtice is survived by her daughter, Deborah Gleeson Rainey (Allan Rainey); her son, George Edwin Gleeson, Sr. (Elaine Smith-Gleeson); and her guardian niece, Barbara Bass Davis (Mike Davis). She was a devoted grandmother to Melissa Leigh Rainey, Brie Rainey Schmitt (Josh Schmitt), George Edwin Gleeson, Jr. (Holly Gleeson), and William Paul Gleeson (Mary Beth Gleeson). She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Charlie Briscoe, Richard Briscoe, Hunter Schmitt, Colton Gleeson, Emily Gleeson, Lacey Gleeson, Kennedy Gleeson, J.P. Gleeson, and Suzie Gleeson. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her guardian nephew, Calvin Louis Bass, Jr.

After their marriage, Myrtice and George moved to Conyers, Georgia, for George's job. In 1953, they both began working for Lockheed Aircraft and later moved to Mountain Park. In 1956, they purchased a farm on Hardscrabble Road, where they raised their family.

Myrtice excelled at Lockheed, beginning in the stenography pool and working her way up to Executive Secretary. She remained with the company until 1970.

In 1970, an unexpected opportunity changed the course of their lives. George decided he wanted a new Deutz tractor. After learning about one, the couple traveled to a dealership on Spot Road in Cumming just to take a look. They returned home not only with a tractor, but also with the dealership and 50 acres of land—a decision that would shape the next chapter of their lives.

Myrtice immediately became an integral part of the business, managing the office, payroll, and bookkeeping while George handled tractor sales and continued working at Lockheed. During this time, Myrtice became active in the Cumming business community and was one of the founding directors of People's Bank of Forsyth County. She served on its Board of Directors until the bank was acquired by Regions Bank.

From 1970 until 1980, Myrtice and George divided their time between their farm in Roswell and their growing business in Cumming. In 1980, they sold their Hardscrabble Road home and moved permanently to their home off Gravitt Road, where Myrtice lived until 2018. She then spent several years living with her daughter before moving to an assisted living community in September 2024.

Myrtice was a dynamic woman whose personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was feisty, fun-loving, strong-willed, dependable, welcoming, caring, and never afraid to take charge. She loved planning parties, entertaining family and friends, and making every gathering memorable. George affectionately referred to her as "Ms. Myrtice," a nickname that perfectly reflected his admiration and respect for her.

She had a remarkable gift for encouraging others. Whether through a compliment, a kind word, or simply taking the time to listen, Myrtice had a way of making people feel valued and lifting their spirits.

Her faith was the cornerstone of Myrtice's life. From her childhood at Bear Creek Methodist Church to her years at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, she faithfully served wherever she was needed—singing in the choir, serving on numerous committees, and leading the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF). Later, as a member of Cumming First United Methodist Church, she helped establish the Sorta Fifty Sunday School Class and remained actively involved through Bible studies, United Methodist Women, and countless opportunities to serve her church family.

Her commitment to serving others extended beyond the church. She volunteered at The Place of Forsyth County, served as a Pink Lady at Northside Hospital, and found joy in playing the dulcimer with the Strummin' & Cummin' group.

Myrtice lived a full and meaningful life, but her greatest joy was always her family. She was the heart and matriarch of the family, whose unconditional love, unwavering strength, wisdom, and steadfast support shaped the lives of generations. Her legacy of faith, kindness, resilience, and generosity will continue to live on through her family and the countless lives she touched. Her joyful spirit will be forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at McDonald and Son Funeral Home in Cumming, followed immediately by the funeral service at noon.

A private family burial will take place on July 16 at Greenlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Myrtice's memory by donating to your favorite charity, performing an act of kindness, or simply spending time with someone you love