Gloria Jean Basham-Franco

Gloria was born on July 20, 1940 in Fresno California. Her journey ended on February 14, 2014 at home surrounded by the ones who loved her the most. She was the second oldest of ten children born to Dolores Benabides.

Gloria is preceded in death by her first husband James Allen Basham Jr., her son James Allen Basham III, her second husband Pete Meza Franco, her mother Dolores “Lola” Benabides and her four legged loves “Pokey” and “Princessa”

Gloria married James Allen Basham Jr. on June 20, 1959, and together they brought four beautiful children into this world. She leaves behind her daughters, Selena and her husband Robert Hernandez, Tracy and her late husband Robert Garcia and Jeannie and her husband Freddie Martinez, to mourn as well as cherish her memory.

Gloria was also blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren, Nina Rochelle, Lacy, Corina, Matthew, BJ, Cynthia and Lil Freddie. And nine even more wonderful great grandchildren, Alec, Allie, Teagan, Noah Jae, George Jacob, Aiden, Gabriel, Gavin and Payton with whom she leaves countless memories and priceless “Grammy” hugs that will never be forgotten.

Gloria will always be remembered for the creative Easter baskets, enormous Christmas stockings and other beautiful arrangements that she made. They were sure to put a smile on any ones face. She took much pride in her creativity.

Gloria was a true matriarch to her children, and you always knew where you stood with her, because she was never afraid to speak her mind. She played both the rolls of mother and father when her husband passed away in 1979. Her daughters were truly honored to be with her when her temporary journey here on earth ended and her eternal heavenly journey begun. There are no words to express the loss we have suffered but do find comfort in knowing that when she reached heaven there were many family members there to welcome her home.

A special thank you to all who reached out to the family during this heartfelt time. And a very special thank you to Hinds Hospice for all their love, patience, support and guidance from the beginning to the end.

Visitation will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Monday, February 24, 2014 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm followed by a rosary at 7:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Monday, February 25, 2014 at 10:30 am, with burial to follow at Belmont Memorial Park.