Ardythe Basham

Ardythe Basham, of Meadville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at home, with her loving daughter by her side.

She was born June 29, 1937 in Franklin, daughter of Hezekiah and Ethel Harris.

She married Thomas Benjamin Basham who preceded in her in death.

She started her career as an early childhood teacher at the Neighborhood Day Care on Terrace Street, which became Meadville Head Start in 1967 where she worked for 40 years because of her drive to make sure children had a strong diverse educational foundation. Because of her, children believed they could reach the stars above and felt worthwhile. Children's lives will be forever touched in ways one my never see, because God used her to help them become the person He wanted them to be. She held the positions of lead teacher and assistant teacher. She retired in 2007. She attended Edinboro University.

Ardythe professed Christ as a young woman and was baptized at St. John Baptist Church on North Street under the pastorate of Rev. Hudson. She was an active member of the Hallelujah Chorus directed by Arthur Barksdale. She was an active member of the Nurses Guild under Lee Ethel Harris, her mother. She was a Sunday school teacher and Vocational Bible school teacher. She was director of the decorating committee. She was the director of the youth choir, The Jesus' Kids, who sang and initiated ribbon dancing at the church.

Her hobbies included sewing, furniture upholstery, reading, family history research, and dabbling with different instruments. She was very creative and enjoyed drawing and wood working with arts and crafts. She traveled to Germany with niece Lavina when Michell was stationed there and traveled to England, Paris and other places. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Survivors include her daughter Michell of Meadville; grandson Matthew of Pittsburgh, granddaughter Robin; sister Nancy Harris of Cleveland, OH; two brothers Robert Harris of GA, Victor Harris (Diane) of Falls Church, VA; her Aunt Bernadeen, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas; her sons, John, Thomas and Anthony; brothers Joseph and James; sisters Blanche and Ceola.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, from 11 AM-12 PM, at St. John Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, 792 N. Main St., Meadville, where a Celebration of Life Service will follow at 12 PM with Elder Lavina West officiating. The family kindly asks that masks be worn.

Ardythe will be laid to rest in Greendale Cemetery, West Mead Twp.

Arrangements are under the direction of STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com