Barbara LeAnne (Basye) Adams, 65, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, surrounded by her family at her home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Although we feel like she was taken from us too soon, she is the perfect example of a life well-lived.

Barbara was born September 1, 1959, in Chillicothe, OH to Carl and Linda (Skaggs) Basye.
Barbara grew up and attended school in Waverly, OH.  After graduating from high school, she enlisted in the Army, serving in the 8th Signal Corp.  During her time in the Army, she served in Germany, where she, of course, also sang in a country music band called The Mountain Ramblers. During her time in the Army, she married William Russell with whom she shared a son, Fred. Although the marriage did not last, the two always put their son first and remained friends.

She loved being a mama to Fred and always put him first. As he grew older, and his interests changed from sports to playing music – she was always on the sidelines or in the crowd cheering him on…and making friends with everyone she met there.

After leaving the Army, she went to the University of Arizona to become a teacher, which became her lifelong passion and career in both Ohio and later in Pennsylvania.  She was an incredible Kindergarten teacher, probably because she never stopped being a kid-at-heart. She was the kind of person you’d pick to teach your kids. Her classroom was a place of love, acceptance, and joy. At the same time, she was a proud public educator. She inspired others to be a voice for teachers and an activist for a better world. Her family and friends loved hearing the stories of her students and learning about the special connections she built with so many of her students and their families throughout the years.

Barbara married the love of her life, Jon Adams, on February 17, 2018, in Jamaica.  She and Jon loved supporting the Tottenham Soccer team as members in both the South Carolina and Harrisburg clubs and even got to see them in London last year. They were always traveling to Jamaica annually for their anniversary and also traveling the world.  
After a decade of epic parties in Midtown-Harrisburg as the block mom on Penn Street, Barbara retired in 2019 and moved to the beach in South Carolina. She spent many days on the beach and traveling with her husband Jon, as well as with friends and family.  She loved hosting her grandchildren at the beach and looked forward to every visit.
She loved life and was the life of every event, bringing her bubbly personality and funny stories.  When traveling, she tried every local food she could find and savored those moments, as well as just breathing in the air of that particular location. She went to France to eat good cheese, to Jamaica to celebrate love, to Ireland to celebrate heritage, to Philly to cheer on the Mummers and to NYC for a show. The list goes on and on. Barbara was always planning the next adventure.

She loved first and judged second. She lived, truly and fully, savoring the art of life. She loved and lived in generosity, and she was wise beyond measure. She always made everyone feel welcomed and loved, she laughed easily and had a contagious smile and spirit. She had such a deep, unwavering love for everyone. She was always the warmest smile in the room, the brightest eyes, the kindest words and the most satisfying hug. When life handed her lemons – she made lemonade, not only for herself, but for EVERYONE. She showed us how to live and how to fight. She even lit up the chemo treatment room with her decorative socks and hats. She will live on in all our hearts as the beautiful angel we were so blessed to know. Our lives are better, because she was there. She left her mark, and we are forever changed. 

She is survived by her husband, Jon Adams of Myrtle Beach, SC., her son Fred Russell (Stefenie) of Richland, WA, step children, Andrew Adams (Terri) of Warrington, PA, Ashley Smith of Mechanicsburg, PA, grandchildren Joshua and Renee Adams of Warrington, PA and Parker Smith of Mechanicsburg, PA, Skyler Vigil of Richland, WA, and Hayden Beach of Richland, WA, her mother Linda Basye of Murrells Inlet, SC, her special aunt, Lorrie Skaggs, of Murrells Inlet, SC,  siblings Shelly Grohs of Surfside Beach, SC, Cary Basye (Cindi) of Waverly, OH and Penny Nunn (David) of Delaware, OH, and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Barbara also leaves behind her two beloved cats, Izzy and Junie B. who were by her side constantly and were her special companions.  
Barbara was predeceased by her father Carl Preston Basye.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life service in Ohio to be held Saturday March 8, 2025, from 12:00 until 3:00pm at Riverview Conference Center 30 N. Plaza Blvd, Chillicothe, OH 45601, onsite parking is provided.  The Pennsylvania Celebration of Life will be held Saturday March 15, 2025, from 12:00 until 3:00pm at The Millworks 340 Verbeke St. Harrisburg, PA 17102, free and secure parking is provided.  These Celebrations will be secular non formatted events with an open bar and food selections. 

Cremation Services Direct (843-651-1194) of Myrtle Beach is assisting the family with arrangements.