Frances Erleen Basham, age 89 of Winchester, Tennessee, passed peacefully on July 16, 2026, at NHC Tullahoma. Born on November 10, 1936, Erleen, as she was known by friends, was born to the late Albert McFerin Hicks and Alice Lee Ray in Selmer, Tennessee. Erleen and Willard B. Basham Jr were married in 1958 and welcomed their son, Michael Anthony Basham, into the world on September 26, 1959. A few years later, twin sons, Darryl Wayne Basham and David Andrew Basham were born on October 2, 1966. The Basham family moved to Winchester in 1981 from Arkansas and remained in the local area since that time. Erleen was a first-grade schoolteacher at Decherd Elementary until her retirement. She was a lifelong member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and attended regularly until health issues prevented her attendance. As a pastor’s wife, Sunday School teacher, first-grade teacher, and a loving mother of three sons, Erleen truly lived a life of service to others. Erleen’s greatest joy was her three sons, and she would not pass up an opportunity to talk about them. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her three sons, Mike (Donna) Basham of Tullahoma, Darryl (Tammy) Basham of Winchester, and David (Vicki) Basham of Tullahoma; grandchildren, Whitney, Dawn, Bailey (Jacob), and Callie; step-granddaughter, Caroline; and great-grandchildren, Riley, Kyra, and Braxton. Erleen will be remembered by family and friends for the smile she always had on her face, the kindness and generosity she was always eager to show, and her guidance for her sons and grandchildren. To know Erleen was to love her. She made friends everywhere she went and kept those friendships close in her heart. Visitation will be from 1-3 pm on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Winchester Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Funeral Services will follow at 3:00 pm with Dr. Rev. Michael Clark officiating. Interment will be at Franklin Memorial Gardens with Chris Guess, Tracy Hayworth, Jeff Perry, Jody Coutta, and Craig Hamm serving as pallbearers and Ashley Morris serving as honorary. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.
