Christine “Chris” Basham, beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the age of 99, surrounded by her family.
Chris was born on February 7, 1927, in LaValle, Missouri, to Blanche and James Osmyn Riley, the third of four children. From an early age, she embodied the resilience, strength, and warmth that would define her remarkable life.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. Chris was first married to William “Bill” Davidson, with whom she shared four children. After his passing, she dedicated herself to raising her children with unwavering love and deep faith. In 1962, she married Norman Basham, and together they built a home grounded in love, perseverance, and family.
Chris found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She was an avid seamstress and quilter, creating pieces that will be treasured for generations. Her green thumb could rival nature itself, and her gardens were a reflection of her care and patience. In the kitchen, she was a cook beyond compare, bringing people together through meals made with love. She also delighted in traveling to exotic destinations and, perhaps most of all, in sharing laughter and stories with her dear friends.
Her grandchildren, “the Little Kids,” were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Chris had a laugh that was as distinct as it was infectious—a sound that brought joy to every room and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A woman of strong Christian faith, Chris lived a life rooted in resilience, experience, and wisdom. She faced life’s challenges with grace and met its blessings with gratitude.
She will be sorely missed by all who survive her, but her legacy will endure in the lives she shaped, the love she gave, and the memories she leaves behind.
Chris is survived by her four children, Darlene (David) Roberts, William “Bud” Davidson, Keith (Cindy) Davidson, and Teresa (David) Foster; seven grandchildren, Monica (Phillip) Warren, Melody (Jeff) Peterson, Josh (Ashley) Foster, Doug (Kate) Hughes, Shae (Jesse) Evans, Savannah (Josh) Comer, and Dylan Davidson; ten great-grandchildren, Braxton (Logan) Warren, Nicholas Warren, Hunter (Kayla) Peterson, Riley (Neil) Ballard, Lake Foster, Kaiyan Foster, Jackson Hughes, Harper Evans, Finley Evans, and Emery Evans; one great great-grandchild, Saylor Warren; niece, Donna (Larry) Beggin; great niece, Amber (Richie) Franklin; great nephew, Dustin Wright.
Funeral services will be held at Harpeth Hills Memorial Garden Tuesday, April 28th, 2026. Visitation with the family 9:30-11:30am, burial service at 12:30.
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