Basham, Betty Beasley

Betty Sue Basham (Beasley), 87, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, in Blacksburg, Virginia. Born on March 14, 1938, in Radford, Virginia, she lived a vibrant and meaningful life rooted in love, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith.

A proud honor student and graduate of Auburn High School in Riner, Virginia, Betty went on to attend Radford College. Her early academic achievements were just the beginning of a life marked by curiosity, elegance, and an enduring zest for learning and experience.

Betty’s life was filled with color-both literally and figuratively. Known for her impeccable sense of style and her signature red lipstick kisses lovingly left on the cheeks or foreheads of her children and grandchildren after every visit, she brought joy and flair wherever she went. Her love for timeless fashion was matched only by her passion for beautiful hats, shoes, costumes, and clothing that reflected her unique personality. Yet it was not just her outward appearance that made her unforgettable-it was her radiant spirit that truly stood out.

She had a deep appreciation for the arts and culture. Whether attending performances at the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra or enjoying theater productions during shopping trips to New York City, Betty embraced life with enthusiasm. She found joy in traveling far and wide, flying to new destinations with excitement. At home, she created beauty through her rock gardens and immersed herself in books and movies that stirred her imagination.

Betty’s heart belonged first and foremost to her family. She was a devoted mother to Dennis Cleon Basham, Daniel Gray Basham, and Denise E. Basham Montgomery (and husband Kurt Montgomery), as well as to her late eldest daughter Diana Sue Basham. Her legacy continues through many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who carry forward the values she instilled-kindness, strength of character, generosity regardless of circumstance, and an unshakable sense of right and wrong.

She is also remembered with love by her sister Judy Beasley East; brothers Edward Haven Beasley and Timothy Owen Beasley; also former husband Richard Cleon Basham; and is reunited in peace with her parents Edward Owen Beasley and Pearl Sutphin Beasley; brothers Richard Robert Beasley and Gregory Preston Beasley.

Betty was a woman of deep faith who often spoke of her desire to finish this earthly journey with the hope of seeing the face of Jesus in Heaven. Her steadfast belief gave strength not only to herself but also to those around her during both joyful moments and life’s more serious times.
She balanced no-nonsense wisdom with laughter; she gave freely whether she had little or much; she stood firm for what was honest while embracing others with warmth. Above all else, Betty Sue Basham remained true to herself-a loving mother, grandmother, sister,

friend-and a woman whose spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.
May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her deeply and joy to those who remember the sparkle she brought into every room.

A private service will be held.