Margaret Lavern Bass

Margaret Lavern Freeman was born to Lillie Mae and Sam Freeman on February 17, 1930, in Sylacauga, Alabama.  She was the eldest of three children.  Margaret moved with her mother to Dayton, Ohio at the age of seven years old which began a lifelong residence.  She transitioned peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on January 18, 2025, at the age of 94, less than one month shy of her 95th birthday.   Margaret was a beacon of gentle love, warmth and faith to her family and all whom encountered her.    

The word vibrant appropriately describes Margaret.  She was a proud cheerleader at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School where she met the school newspaper editor named Philip Clarke Bass.  They graduated from Dunbar in 1948 and married two years later.  That blessed union bore five children (oldest to youngest):   Philip Jr. (Flip), Carolyn (Carol), Roslyn (Ros), Melissa (Missy) and Russell (Rusty).  She reveled in family gatherings because her children and their children were her greatest joy.  She beamed over her eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, greeting each one with a kiss, hug, and "Hey baby!"   She was Momma!   

After high school, Margaret became a local model and was a regular with Joanne Ballard's modeling troop who performed all over Dayton at teas and other affairs.  She was known to have a unique step to her modeling strut which was a constant crowd pleaser.  A fierce dancer who loved James Brown and B.B. King (or B.B. Kang as she liked to say!), her camel walk was truly inspired.  Whenever good music played, she couldn't resist bopping to the beat of her favorite soul, blues, and gospel tunes.  Her example influenced three more generations of cheerleaders (including one at Dunbar High School), a daughter who also modeled locally in Dayton, a flair for fashion complimented with pearls, and a legacy of offspring who cannot resist the dance floor.   

Margaret worked at General Motors Inland plants in Dayton and Vandalia where she retired.  She was a longtime devoted member of Phillips Temple CME Church and served in the Missionaries ministry.  Her family is immensely grateful to members of Phillips Temple who ensured that Margaret had transportation to and from services when she could no longer drive herself.  She loved attending church services and bible study.  During the pandemic, she would enjoy virtual worship services from her dining room table, pearls included. It is said that a tattered bible is the sign of a good heart.  Her many bibles were all well-worn due to daily devotion and attending to her bible study lessons. Indeed, she had a sweet heart. Her faith and unrelenting belief in the mighty power of God sustained her until she was called home for eternal rest at the right hand of the Father.   

She is preceded in death by her parents Sam and Lillie Mae Freeman, son Philip Bass Jr., and former husband Philip Bass, Sr. 

She is survived by her brother Samuel (Loretta) Freeman, sister Alex Freeman, daughters Carolyn Jackson, Roslyn Thornton, Melissa (Kevin) Donaldson, and son Russell Bass, as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives.  Her legacy of kindness, gentleness, and grace will live on in the hearts of her family members and all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

In her memory, show kindness, cherish family, love God, enjoy music and dance.  Rest in peace, dear angel Margaret. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral service 11 am Friday, January 24, 2025 at Phillips Temple Church, 3620 Shiloh Springs Rd., Trotwood, OH. Visitation 10 am- 11 am at which time family will receive friends. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

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