Georgia Breen Bland Braswell Gleese

Obituary For Georgia Breen Bland Braswell Gleese

Georgia Breen Bland Braswell Gleese was born December 20, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, the fourth child of the late Joe C. and Edith Randolph Bland.

She began her Christian journey at Princeton Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church under the leadership of Reverend Earnest S. Johnson.

Georgia attended Douglass High School, where she graduated in the Class of 1959. While in high school, she was active in all things musical. She was a member of the school’s choir and joined the Memphis Teen Town Singers. She was First Soprano in the acclaimed African American Opera Group, IL CANTORIUM performing throughout the mid-south.

Georgia continued her musical studies, having received a scholarship in music from Bishop College in Marshall, Texas. In 1961, Georgia married William “Billy” Braswell. She returned home in 1961 to complete her college education, attending Owen College (later became LeMoyne-Owen College) graduating in 1963. Georgia and William became the parents of three sons, William Braswell, Jr. (passed at birth), Julius Cameron and Joseph Fielder. William “Billy” Braswell passed away on January 17, 1984.

In 1997, Georgia married A. M. E. Presiding Elder James Gleese. She and Rev. Gleese traveled for years, visiting and participating in conferences, training and good-will visits to A.M.E. churches over the United States. She was a pianist for several churches and loved every minute of playing and singing for the Lord. They were ‘two peas in a pod’ until his passing.

She was employed by The Pace Corporation and Firestone Tire and Rubber Company (until its closing). She was later hired by Memphis City Schools Division of Special Education (presently Division of Exceptional Children). Georgia retired in 1998 from the school district, but she did not sit idle for long. Because of her love for hat-making and crafting, she opened her millinery business specializing in beautiful ladies’ hats. Georgia sewed and crafted until a month before her passing.

Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Francis Leon Bland and Charles Lawrence Bland, and one sister, Josephine Edith Bland Parrish Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Julius Cameron Braswell and Joseph Fielder Braswell (Kimberlye); two sisters, Margaret Bland Larry and L. Annette Bland; two brothers, Cleophus “Scrap” Randolph Bland and Larry Earl Bland, Sr.; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 28, 2024 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at RS Lewis & Sons 2944 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38111. Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 11:00am at Springdale Baptist Church 1193 Springdale St, Memphis, TN 38108

Internment will be immediately following the service at Forest Hill Cemetery- East 2440 Whitten Rd, Memphis, TN 38133