Olive Selma Basham
Passed: December 13, 2023
Charleston, WV
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Olive Selma Basham
Passed: December 13, 2023
Charleston, WV
Obituary
It is with great sadness that the Basham family must announce the passing of their beloved mother and grandmother, Olive Selma Basham, 73, of Charleston, WV.
A proud lifelong mountaineer, Olive spent her life showing her love, wisdom, and generosity to everyone she knew and everyone she didn’t. To know her was an honor, to love her was a gift, and to be loved by her was a blessing.
Olive was born on November 14, 1950, and passed away in her home, surrounded by her loved ones, on December 13, 2023. Living proof that size didn’t matter, she was a 4-foot-10-force-of-nature with a heart large enough to cover the Appalachian Mountains. After graduating from Stonewall Jackson High School, she was the head cashier and union steward at Big Star grocery store before the passion for law entered her life and she started on the path to becoming a paralegal, working for the state until she retired. She spent her retirement relaxing and spending cherished time with her animals and loved ones. Most will fondly remember her for her jokes, her kindness, her cooking and her strong faith in God and Jesus.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dora Janet Young and Oliver Milton Young, as well as her fiancé and partner of many years, Virgil Stire.
Olive is survived by her brother, Harvey Young; her children, blood and bonded, Keith Basham, Laura Abrams, Aaron Stire and Jason Mullins, and her grandchildren, Michael Mitchell, Melissa Wilson, Cassie Casto, Aaron Gross, Aya Basham, Khloe Basham and Aubree Basham.
To her family, she leaves her sense of humor, her thoughtfulness, and her undying love, to which her family wishes they could return with their unfathomable gratitude. Words cannot begin to express just how much she will be missed.
At her request, there will be no memorial service or funeral.
She will be remembered as a hard worker, a loving mother and grandmother, a devout Christian, and a feisty, but loyal and unselfish friend.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
6 responses to Olive Selma Basham
Randall Basham says:
December 23, 2023
I have many memories of Olive. First as a daughter of her mother who I had met at work in my teens. Second as someone who knew several of my other friends working at a market. Third as a girlfriend to a brother. Fourth as my new sister in law and a wonderful mother. Fifth as a grieving friend and daughter for my mother. Sixth and finally as a past sister in law who remained as family and whom I had contact with over the years in bad times. My last extended contact occurring more than a year ago. We spoke of the past and of many things and of this time to come. Through it all, there was no distance, no strain, just consoling each other and hoping for the best for all. I know that her spirit is woth God. My sincerest condolences to her family for their recovery and for their peace.
Heartley Anderson Jr. says:
December 22, 2023
My condolences to Olive’s family. I worked with Olive at Big Star on Virginia Street for several years. She was a very nice lady. I am glad to hear she was a Christian. I will see her again someday in heaven.
Darlene Baker says:
December 22, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Olive. She was a great friend to me when I was hanging around with her brother Harvey many years ago. She was full of energy and love. Always sweet
Carol Talbert says:
December 22, 2023
Olive and I spent some of our childhood together. We lived next door to each other on Pennsylvania Avenue and I visited them one summer. She was a lot like her mom. My thoughts and prayers go with the family and just cherish the wonderful memories you have.
Rick Taylor says:
December 22, 2023
Keith and Laura, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Olive and am glad I knew her. She’s in a far better place. I’m getting older each day as well. When I see her again, I’ll let her know you’re doing OK. Prayers for both of you.