of Little Rock, AR
February 12, 1929 - October 30, 2025
Desha Clayton ''Dee'' Basham was born February 12, 1929, in Dumas, Arkansas, the only child of Sheriff Howard Lee Clayton and Lula Hall Morrison ''Tynk'' Clayton. She died on October 30, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
She was married to Charles David Basham for fifty-six years.
Dee is survived by her children: Charles Howard ''Chuck'' Basham (Kay), Beverly Basham Kinley (Jeff); grandchildren: Conly Basham, Clayton Kinley (Meagan), Stuart Kinley (Teresa), Claire Basham Ward (Alec), Davis Kinley (Michaela), James Basham; great-grandchildren: Hadley Kinley, Henry Kinley, Bram Kinley, Kit Kinley, Charlotte Kinley, Calvin Kinley, Chesley Kinley.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, David Andrew ''Drew'' Basham.
Dee attended school in Arkansas City, Arkansas before going to high school/junior college at Gulf Park By-the-Sea School for Women in Gulfport, Mississippi. She transferred to the University of Arkansas for her college sophomore year where she became a member of Chi Omega Fraternity.
Dee's entire life was devoted to her family. All will miss her very colorful stories of life growing up in the Delta, antics of girls' school, and her beloved Chi Omega. She spent nearly a century bringing love and joy to those around her and truly lived an exceptional life. Dee will be remembered for her kindness, humor, resilience, and warm heart. She will be missed dearly, and her contagious laugh will echo forever in the minds of those whom she loved so well.
Though a lifelong church member and good person, in her final months, Dee recognized her profound need for a personal Savior. She dedicated herself to Christ, developing a great desire to depart this earth to be with Him.
Inurnment Service: November 10th, 10 a.m., St. Mark's Episcopal Church.