Mary "Lib" C. Basham

Mary (Lib) Costner Basham was born on February 4, 1926 to Mary and Eli Costner in Greensboro, NC. Lib lived in Greensboro all her life and graduated from Greensboro (Grimsley) High School. She worked for Woolworths as a teenager and then went on to Burlington Industries where she worked for over 40 years. She also worked part-time at Wesley Long Hospital for 46 years. While working at Burlington Industries she joined several friend groups, Burlington Babes and BI Friends, where they would gather to socialize and go on trips together. Her longest and dearest friend group was “The Girls”. This group of ladies met while working at Burlington Industries and would throw elaborate Christmas parties and even had an article written about them in the News and Record when they had their 50th Christmas party.

She spent most of her life in the Glenwood Neighborhood of Greensboro where she has been a great neighbor and friend to so many. This is where her and her late husband Paul Basham raised their 3 girls; Brenda Newsome, Jean Kwiatkowski (Mark) and Beth McElveen (Felix). She has 3 granddaughters as well: Michelle Naquin (Scotty), Heather Garcia (Danny) and Samantha Wade (Jordan). She was also blessed with 5 beautiful Great Grandchildren Brandon, Makenzie, Xavier, Grayson, and Ivy. While living in Glenwood, she was active in many community events, was involved in the PTA, was a Girl Scout Leader and worked the voting polls for a number of years where she was known for bringing the best snacks.

She was a long-standing member of Congregational United Church of Christ. She witnessed the church go through their name change from Congregational Christian Church to CUCC and its move from Walker Avenue to where they are now on Radiance Drive. While attending CUCC she was a Deacon as well as a member of the Jordan-Wisseman Sunday School Class, the Women’s Fellowship, the hand bell choir, and other church committees. As part of her church service, she made it her mission to send a birthday card to every member on their birthdays. She would also share her love through cards at Christmas, to share her sympathy, and to support anyone who was sick or needing prayer.

Her family would like to thank Lib’s (Mrs. Mary) many caregivers over the last several months. Amedisys, in home healthcare, Clapp’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the amazing staff on 4th floor West at Wesley Long Hospital, and lastly to Beacon Place, who made her comfortable in her final days.

Lib loved to be outdoors, travel, read, walk, play games (Rummikub being her favorite) and especially spend time with her family and friends. She was always sweet and caring to everyone she met and just spending a few minutes with her you felt loved and cared for. She was a devoted wife and loving Mom, Mamaw and Great Mamaw. She will forever be loved and missed by her family and all those that knew her.

A service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Congregational United Church of Christ (CUCC), 400 Radiance Drive, Greensboro, NC followed by a visitation at the church. If able, join us in wearing purple to the service, Lib’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to CUCC, congregationalucc.com or to Greensboro Urban Ministry, greensborourbanministry.org

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Basham family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com