Frankie B. Self

Frankie Basham Self of Birmingham, Alabama and Asheville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2017, at the age of 102, in Asheville. Frankie was born in Mississippi on February 14, 1915, to Fannie Smith Basham and Elisha Littleton Basham, Sr. At the age of 18, Frankie married the love of her life, Ralph Self, who passed away in 1990. They enjoyed a happy marriage and eventually bought a home on the outskirts of Birmingham in Roebuck Plaza. Following retirement, they enjoyed annual trips to Mexico in their Winnebago for many years and loved the people they met in Mexico. After Ralph passed away, Frankie continued to bring joy to her many family members with her famous “Grandma breakfasts,” birthday celebrations, and many other special events at the home of her son and on visits to Florida to visit her daughter. In Asheville, over the last fifteen years, she was cared for by her devoted granddaughter, Tressa Lynn Thornton, and she made many dear friends with her warm, friendly personality and her generous spirit.

Frankie is survived by a daughter, Carlene Thornton, and a son, Jerry Douglas Self, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The grandchildren are Tressa Lynn Thornton, Kathi LeaThornton, Lisa Self Edwards (Robin), Jason Self (Shannon), and Sara Self Wilcoxen. Beloved grandson Matthew Self and his son Michael Self preceded Frankie in death. The great grandchildren are Savannah Edwards, Isabella Edwards, Shelby Self, Matthew Self, and Cate Wilcoxen.

In addition to her parents, Frankie’s two brothers, James Howard Basham and Elisha Littleton Basham, Jr., as well as her sister Louise Turman, preceded her in death. Her nephews Bobby Basham and Stewart Turman are also deceased. Surviving nephews and nieces are Barbara Lee Moffett (Don), Jimmy Turman, Leonard Self (Shirley), Bill Basham (Pat), Randy Basham (Esperanza), and Charlotte Jean Holman.

The family wishes to thank Frankie’s many loving friends in Asheville and in Birmingham who brought her much joy. She always treasured her friendships with the members of the Roebuck Plaza Baptist Church. The family especially wishes to thank Frankie’s doctors in Asheville, Mission Hospital medical staff, and the caring employees at The Laurels of Green Tree Ridge.

The funeral services on Friday, March 17, are being conducted by Reverend Sam Davidson and Dr. James Auchmuty, pastor of the Roebuck Plaza Baptist Church, where Frankie was a member for more than sixty years. Visitation will be from noon until 2:00 p.m. at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel with the funeral services following visitation. The burial will be at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Gadsden Highway.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to the Roebuck Plaza Baptist Church or to the charity of their choice.