Mother Hassie Clemons Glee
1917 -2022
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."
~Proverbs 31:10~

On July 31, 1917, the joyful cry of a new baby was heard in the home of Tony and Cernelia Clemons. After having six boys, they were now blessed with a baby girl, that they named Hassie Tina. Three siblings were born after her.

Hassie and her siblings (Kirk, Simp, Burton, Walter, Fred, Louie, Zera, Tony and Bonnie) grew up on her parent's farm, in rural Greenville, Florida. Tony and Cernelia instilled a great work ethic in all their children – by teaching them to grow cotton, tobacco, and many other crops. Hassie learned at an early age to tend the family's gardens and livestock.

As a child, Hassie attended grade school at the New Chapel Church – an edifice that her grandfather helped to build. She was quite proud of having completed the eighth grade, but there was no high school education available for colored youth in Madison County beyond that point. Hassie's family hoped to send her to live with relatives in Williston, Florida, so that she could become a teacher. However, that was not to be. Eventually, Hassie caught the eye of a young man named Ulysses Glee, and he courageously staked his claim, and began calling on her. The two were married on December 25, 1937; she was 20 and he was 22. To this union six children were born – Evelyn, Lueva, Rose, Verdell and Ulysses, Jr. Their son James died shortly after his birth. Together they worked hard for 67 years to establish what is now known as Glee Heritage Acres.

Hassie not only worked beside her husband on the farm, but over the years she held jobs outside the home – including a job at Metal Products, a local factory that made hubcaps. However, the job that she held the longest was as a domestic worker in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Harris. She and Mrs. Mary Harris developed a relationship which transcended that of employer/employee – they became genuine friends, keeping up with each other's lives, their children, and grandchildren until Mrs. Mary's death.

Her retirement from the workforce by no means meant that Hassie was slowing down. Instead, she began to do more of the things she enjoyed like fishing, raising chickens, gardening, canning and cooking. She was civic-minded. She became a poll worker and she also never missed voting in an election.

She was affiliated with the Order of Eastern Star #64. Hassie discovered other hobbies and pastimes as well. After taking a quilting class from a Mormon couple that was on mission in Madison, she presented each of her children with a hand-made quilt for Christmas. But it is her role as the "Sweet Potato Pie Lady" for which she had become known all over Madison. She would pack the pies in her car and go around to local businesses selling them.

Mother Glee worshipped at the New Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where she was baptized at an early age. She was the sole member of the Clemons family that still held a membership at New Chapel. She served as a Church Mother for many years. On First Sundays, it was her responsibility to make the bread, prepare the wine and set the table for the Holy Communion – duties in which she took great pride. Mother Glee also believed in giving liberally to her church, and supporting her pastor.

Hassie's greatest earthly joy has always been her family. In time, her children married and presented her and Ulysses with seven grandchildren. She shared a tender bond with each of them: Graylin, Sabrina, Reginald, Angela, Ernest, Jr., Thomas, Jr., and Felisa. She had the capacity to love beyond her offspring and served as a surrogate mother and grandmother to many. She was affectionately known as: Mama, Mema, Aunt Hassie, and Miss Hassie.

The farm that Ulysses and Hassie established has now become a gathering place for her offspring, extended family and friends. It is known for the good food, wholesome fun, and southern hospitality that all enjoy when they visit. A great part of that is due to the family's matriarch – Hassie Clemons Glee – and the values that were passed on to her offspring.

Hassie departed this life one week shy of her 105th birthday. Her life is a testament to what faith in God, devotion to family and an old-fashioned work ethic can yield. She peacefully departed this life in the way that she wanted - in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Mother Glee was preceded in death by her husband: Ulysses Glee, Sr. and two of their children: James Glee and Rose Glee.

Mother Glee's legacy of love, faith, strength, goodwill, and family will reign forever. Mourning her passing while cherishing her memories are her loving children: Evelyn (German) Mobley, Lueva (Thomas) Demps, Verdell Lewis, and Ulysses Glee, Jr.; goddaughter: Carrie Washington; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; the family of Pearlene Clemons Dixon; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.