Born January 23, 1949, in Fort Lee, Virginia, Regina Puryear obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work from Tulane University in New Orleans and worked for the State of Louisiana until she retired. She dedicated her life to helping others and worked for Catholic Charities as a counselor after she retired from the state.
She spent several years taking care of her daughter, Rebecca Rene Basham, April, 3 1969-July 23, 2015. In her free time, Regina liked to do crafts, see movies, shop, and explore new restaurants. She traveled to the Caribbean and Europe several times and longed to see more exotic places. She collected antiques and loved cooking gadgets. She often told her family, “Please don’t mourn me when I go. I’ve had a good life.” Called a “best friend” by her children, her lasting legacy was her infinite wisdom, ability to survive through any struggle, and the love she shared with family.
She is survived by her daughters, Laura Minette Varsamis and Virginia Anne Basham; son in-law, Georgios Loukianos Varsamis; mother, Virginia Anne Guffey; sister, Karen Kleier and brother-in-law, Richard Kleier. She is also survived by her beloved cockatiel, Lulu Birdie, and many other extended family members in Kentucky where she was raised.
Regina was cremated Friday, October 18, 2019, per her request. There will be a memorial to honor her memory and celebrate her life in Monticello, Kentucky.
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