Joyce R. Bassham

Abingdon, VA – Mrs. Joyce R. Bassham, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at Johnson City Medical Center. Joyce was born and raised in Redding, PA to the late Ithamar Benedict Rettgers and Laura Hartstine Rettgers. After marriage, she and her family lived throughout the country due her husband’s military career before moving to Abingdon in 1971. In her early years, Joyce received certification from the American Association of Nursing and was later a Clinical Specialist in Adult Mental Health. Joyce served as Sr. Warden and was a member of the Choir and Vestry at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Mrs. Bassham served on the Abuse Alternative Board in Bristol, VA and Washington County, VA and taught Clinical Psychiatric Nursing at East Tennessee State University for many years. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband, H. Lee Bassham, M.D., and brother, Colonel Forrest Rettgers. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, Burt Bassham; four sons, James Randall “Randy” Bassham of Weaverville, NC, Stephen Benton and wife Laura Bassham of Johnson City, TN; Mark Lee and wife Dr. Deborah Bassham of Abingdon, VA, and Phillip Andrew Bassham of Abingdon, VA; two daughters, Brenda Lee Bassham of Houston, TX and Lori and husband Jack Myers of Alvin, TX; brother, Robert Edgar Rettgers of Mechanicsburg, PA; sister, Miriam Jane Nagle of York, PA; 11 grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Visitation with the family will be held 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2014, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church with Rev. Hillary Streever and Rev. Craig Wylie officiating. A reception will be held at the church after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, P.O. Box 5027, Hagerstown, MD 21741, in Mrs. Bassham’s name. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Joyce R. Bassham is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.