Linda Basham

Linda Basham, 81, of Watkinsville GA, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026. 

She was born in Atlanta, GA to the late William (Bill) and Melba Geissler. 

After moving to Athens, she met the love of her life, Bobby, while they both attended Athens High. They eloped in 1961 and spent 59 wonderful years together until Bobby’s passing in 2021.

She started her career at Royster Fertilizer in Athens, then eventually moved to manage the Georgia Power Northeast Credit Union, where she retired in 1996. This allowed her to become “Nana” to granddaughter Casey. After retirement, she and Bobby were always together. They loved hiking and spending time at their home on Lake Yonah, in the North Georgia mountains, where they developed many wonderful friends over the years. They traveled extensively in their earlier years. They loved finding antique treasures all over. They adored their only granddaughter, Casey, attending many soccer matches, dance recitals, and horse shows over the years.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Melba Geissler, and her husband Bobby Basham. She is survived by her son Mike Basham and wife Suzanne of Athens, GA, granddaughter Casey (Basham) Cox and husband Peyton of Huntsville, AL. One sister Judy Bailie of Watkinsville, GA. Nephews Russ (Bonnie) Marable of California and Bill (Karen) Marable of South Carolina and brother Bill Geissler. In addition, there are several great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 18, 1:30-3:00pm, at Lord and Stephens West followed by a celebration of life in the chapel at 3:00pm. Burial will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Bobby.

Flowers will be gratefully accepted, however in lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Mary’s Highland Hills Memory Care in memory of Linda Basham. We want to thank all the caregivers who treated her with dignity and respect. We want to especially thank Iesha McGee, Alicia Hooper, Mandi Haslett and countless others at Highland Hills. We are so grateful for your loving care of Linda. Also Agape Hospice who cared for her as well in her final days. She is now in heaven with Bobby and their friends of many years, Donald, George, Janice, Buzzer, Judy, and others who have passed before her. We miss them all very much.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, has been entrusted with arrangements.