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Sally Tucker Bass Gilmer of Andalusia, Alabama passed away on May 13. She was surrounded by family and departed into the arms of Jesus and her loved ones gone before her.

Born April 30, 1951 in Andalusia, Sally was the middle daughter of four children to Charles C. Bass, Jr. and Marjorie Brunson Bass.

A 1969 graduate of the Andalusia High School, Sally was a Jr. and Varsity Cheerleader, Jr. and Sr. Honor Society member, Class Favorite, AHS Marching and Concert Band member, and Spanish Club and FHA member.

She then attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa where she was graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Education (English major, History minor). Her social sorority was Alpha Delta Pi. Sally did post graduate work at Springhill College in Mobile as well as working toward a Master Degree in Special Education at the University of South Alabama in the 1980s.

Preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Marge Bass of Andalusia; maternal grandparents, Charlie and Foye Mathis Brunson of Andalusia; paternal grandparents, Charles and Marjorie Tucker Bass of Atlanta, she is survived by her husband Phillip Wayne Gilmer of Andalusia; her son, William Joshua Curts (Sarah) of Staunton, VA; and her daughter, Julie Allison Curts of Andalusia. Grandchildren surviving her are Keegan Curts Dove (Texas), Julian and Roxanna Curts (Virginia), and great grandchild, Blake Isaiah Dove (Texas). She is also survived by siblings Sue Bass Wilson (Jimmy), Tripp Bass (Regina) both of Andalusia, and Julie Bass McDonald of Dothan, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and caregiver and special friend Wanda Walden.

A thirty year veteran of the classroom, Sally taught four years at St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile, and about 26 years in the Mobile County Public School system from 1979 through 2010 when she retired at age 59. She loved to recount stories of her many memorable experiences in the classroom, most of which were very funny and heartwarming. The majority of her classroom years were spent teaching seventh and eighth grade students where she specialized in presenting the Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening) skills.

As a child, Sally was sometimes referred to as “chocolate drop” by her daddy and “Tuckie” by her aunt, Carolyn Brunson Caton. Growing up in a small town held many fond memories for her. No matter where her life circumstances led her, she always thought of Andalusia as “home.”

Sally loved all kinds of music, reading, house plants, homemaking, cooking, and home decorating. She loved to laugh, tell stories, and was kind, generous, hardworking, strong willed, outspoken, and loving. It is certain that she will be missed by her loved ones, classmates, and old friends. She was confident at her death that she was going to rest eternally with God and with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Andalusia where she was christened and where she attended in her growing up years. Officiating will be Rev. Mark Broadhead. Organist is Dr. Steve Hubbard. Burial will follow at the Andalusia Memorial Cemetery on Stanley Avenue (Hwy. 55 S.).

Pallbearers to serve the family include Hampton Glenn, Steadman Glenn, Tucker Glenn, Brunson Wilson, Matt Brunson, Mark McIntyre, Jimmy Faulkner, Jeff Teel, and Director, Leonard Dunn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Andalusia Animal Shelter, 101 Coliseum Ave., Andalusia, AL 36420 or  memorials to the First Presbyterian Church, 223 South Three Notch Street, Andalusia, AL 36420.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the funeral homes that helped to make the celebration of life possible – Professional Transport of Mobile; Metropolitan Funeral Home of Mobile; Casson Funeral Service of Foley; Leonard Dunn, LFD, of New Orleans, LA; Keahey Funeral Home of Andalusia, and Covington Casket Co. of Andalusia.

Much appreciation is expressed to Tim Stewart, R. N.; Aveanna Hospice; Lincare; CareMed; Jill Elmore and staff at the Andalusia Walk-in Clinic; and Dr. Robert Long and staff at Andalusia Health for exceptional care over and beyond the call of duty.