Joyce Arritt Basham
Joyce Arritt Basham of Roanoke completed her magnificent 75-year journey around the sun on July 23, 2026, and went joyfully into the arms of the Lord, leaving behind a world that is vastly warmer, brighter, and kinder because she was in it.
Joyce was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and loyal friend. She was the baker of many delicious cherry cobblers, had a peaceful presence that made everyone feel loved and accepted, and, if you were lucky, you experienced her wonderfully witty sense of humor.
She looked forward to reuniting with her beloved parents, Albert and Sylvia Arritt, who preceded her in death. Left to carry her love forward are her devoted husband of 51 years, Gerald "Jerry" Basham; her daughter, Julé Basham (Benjamin Flint); her cherished grandchildren, Gryphon and Phoenix Flint; her brothers, John Arritt (Thelma), James Arritt (Norma Jean), Albert Dale Arritt, David Arritt (Barbara), and Daniel Arritt (Mary); along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Joyce was born on April 7, 1951, in Clifton Forge, Virginia, and grew up in Covington. After earning her nursing degree and becoming a Registered Nurse, she began her career at Community Hospital in Roanoke, where she met her future husband, Jerry, at a church activity.
They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Washington, D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on July 11, 1975.
Joyce loved serving as a nurse, especially in Labor and Delivery, but her favorite job was being a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Throughout her life, Joyce was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a young woman, she faithfully served as a missionary in Mexico. Over the years, she served in many church callings and especially cherished serving monthly in the Washington, D.C. Temple for 12 years.
She also had a deep passion for family history and genealogy. For many years, she volunteered in the FamilySearch Center, helping others discover their ancestors and preserve their family stories. Even after illness prevented her from serving in person, she continued to consult with others from home, sharing her knowledge and love for the work whenever she could.
Joyce possessed the remarkable gift of optimism. Although she faced health challenges throughout her life, she consistently chose gratitude, saw the good in others, and found reasons to smile. Even in her final moments of consciousness, she was smiling at her nurse and thanking her for helping her feel better.
If you knew Joyce, you know what a blessing she was to this world. Her gentle faith, quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering love have left an enduring legacy in all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family invites you to join them in celebrating her beautiful life and the lasting light she shared with everyone she met.
The family will receive friends during a Visitation on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6311 Wayburn Drive, Salem, Virginia 24153. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1:00 p.m., after which the procession will travel to Cedar Lawn Memorial Park for the graveside dedication
