Marilyn "Joyce" Basham

Marilyn Joyce Basham was born March 16, 1933, to Herman and Malinda Reue Kramer in Old Washington, Texas. They then moved to Independence, Texas, where Joyce started first grade. At the beginning of second grade, she and her family moved to Brenham, Texas, where she lived for the rest of her school years. She graduated from Brenham High School in 1951 and moved to Houston to find employment. She found her place working in the Steno Pool at Foley's in downtown Houston and later became the traffic manager's secretary. She found the love of her life, Loy Dean Basham, and they were married on May 24, 1952. They had one son, Larry Dean. Joyce loved her family and was a devoted wife and mother.

Joyce was resilient, enjoyed working, and retired in her mid-80s. She was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord with all her heart. She was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church up until the time of her death. She was involved in many ways at her church. At St. Mark Lutheran Church, she was active in the Altar Guild, Vacation Bible School Phase III, and Good Samaritan.

She is preceded in death by husband Loy Dean, grandson Baby Dave Lopez, sister Rosina, brothers Marvin, Bob, Tommie, and R.G. Also preceding her in death are niece Debbie Kramer, nephews Tommie Kramer Jr., Rodney Kramer, Chris Kramer, Craig Kramer, Cecil Muegge, and Jimmie Muegge.

Joyce is survived by son Larry Dean Basham, niece Brenda Milner, nephews Billy Jo Kramer, Tim Kramer, Tom Kramer, Charles Muegge, and sister-in-law Johnnye Kramer.

She has one surviving granddaughter, Chelsea Alkuteifani and great grandchildren Daisy Lopez, Mini Alkuteifani and Layla Alkuteifani.

Special thanks to friends Shirley Flint, Obdulia Ray, Sofia Ray Ortiz, Wendye Ray and Ronnie Matthews for being there for Joyce in her time of need.

Rest in Jesus, our dear Angel Joyce; your are missed!

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 17th from 3pm to 5pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy., Houston, TX 77079. A funeral service will be held 1pm Saturday, November 18th at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1515 Hillendahl Blvd., Houston, Texas 77055.