Barbara Jean Basham

Barbara Jean Basham (nee Swisher) Age 88, of Godley, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Morris Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 1, 1937, in Danville, IL, to Roy and Regina (née Longmire) Swisher. On November 20, 1954, she married Bobbie G. Basham. Their marriage spanned 49 years, sharing life side by side until his passing in 2003. Those years together included decades of family life and memories that remained an important part of her story. Her working years included employment at the Joliet Armory and Ammo, followed by many years as a waitress at several well-known Braidwood establishments, including Jennings Restaurant, J&A’s, and Kevin’s Korner. Through this time in the community, Barbara became a familiar face to many local residents. Family and friends were deeply important to her, and time spent together was truly valued. She enjoyed playing cards and dice and loved her handheld poker machine and playing solitaire on her iPhone. Attending her grandchildren’s activities and sporting events brought her joy, and she appreciated being present for those moments. Hair appointments were something she enjoyed, along with dancing and scrapbooking with the help of her granddaughters, preserving the children’s activities and pictures. Their annual Fourth of July parties, which brought both sides of the family together, became a cherished family tradition. Cooking was another joy in her life, especially her milk gravy, chicken and noodles, and pineapple upside down cake. She also enjoyed her favorite vodka and Squirt. Barbara will be fondly remembered for the time she shared with her family and the many memories made together. She is survived by her children, Terry Basham of Braidwood, IL, and Gary (Lisa) Basham of Braceville, IL; her grandchildren, Lisa (Ray) Brackett of Coal City, IL, Rachelle (Randy) Thompson of Godley, IL, Kellie Basham of Morris, IL, Christina (Jerry) Sukley of Wilmington, IL, Kimberly Basham of VA, Kyle (Katie) Basham of South Wilmington, IL, Lauren (Tyler) Schoonover of Bourbonnais, IL, and Morgan Basham of Chicago, IL; and her great-grandchildren, Rhylan, Lucas, Avah, Tyler, Brynna, Calen, Ryan, Liam, Owen, Tucker, Lainey, and Bailey. She is also survived by her great-granddogs, Oakley Kaye, Colt, and Rocky. She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; her husband; her son, Edward G. Basham; her daughter, Carole K. Fromm; two brothers, Dale and Tarzan; her twin great-grandchildren, Reese and Raygan Brackett; and her dearest friend, Carol Hartley. Serving as pallbearers will be Terry Basham, Morgan Basham, Kyle Basham, Lucas Thompson, Jerry Sukley, and Tyler Schoonover. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Basham, Owen Dooley, Ryan Sukley, and Liam Sukley. Visitation will be held at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory in Braidwood, IL, on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Jan Chandler officiating. Interment will follow at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery in Braceville, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Braidwood American Legion. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit Barbara’s online guestbook at www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook. R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory 401 E. Main St., Braidwood, 815-458-2336 www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com

Barbara Jean Basham

July 1, 1937 - February 1, 2026

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Barbara Jean Basham

July 1, 1937 - February 1, 2026

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About Us

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