On February 9, 2025, at 83, Jessie Kay Basinger peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family. She was born on September 30, 1941, to Jess and Leona Cashwell of Clinton. She was married to her high school sweetheart, James Sinclair until his passing in 2000. In 2004, she found love again and married her devoted husband, Reid Basinger, with whom she shared many wonderful years. Kay embraced life with a joyous heart and an enthusiasm for making the most of every moment. While her time here on earth has come to an end, her legacy of joy lives on in every life she touched. Kay dedicated 36 years to the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS), now known as the Farm Service Agency, but her true joy was found in her faith, family, friends, and a life filled with adventure. Kay was a member of Keener Methodist Church, where she enjoyed singing her heart out in the choir and was involved in the Keener Women’s Ministry. Kay’s faith was evident in the way she loved and served those around her. Her belief in God’s promises gave her strength and peace throughout life’s joys and challenges. Kay’s greatest joy was her family. One of her favorite pastimes was shopping with her two older sisters, Julie and Geraldine. The three of them were inseparable and a force to be reckoned with - especially when they were out shopping! They always seemed to turn the simplest trips into unforgettable adventures. Kay had a knack for collecting special things - a passion she shared with her sisters. Nothing topped her love for Madame Alexander dolls. Kay enjoyed an adventure and loved to travel with Reid. You could often find them on the beach at Oak Island, or fishing off the pier. After a day at the beach, Kay would ask Reid to take her to Local’s Restaurant so she could get some flounder. The two of them traveled all over the world, from Alaska to Belize. Kay had a way of making everyone around her feel loved - especially those who were lucky enough to call her Na-Na. Kay was her grandkids’ biggest fan, not just in spirit but in action. With a camera in hand, she captured every moment - whether it was a ballgame, recital, or awards ceremony. Her grandchildren could always count on Na-Na to be front and center, cheering loudly and snapping pictures. She made every occasion feel like the most important event in the world. Christmas was one of Kay’s favorite times of the year. If you were lucky enough to be at one of these celebrations, you knew at some point the singing would begin. It was not a Christmas at Na-Na’s without a heartfelt version of I’ll Fly Away or Let the Good Times Roll. Sports were a big part of Kay’s life. She wasn’t just a fan, but she was an athlete herself, playing basketball for the Sampson Longshots! Her team competed all over the state as part of the NC Senior games. In 2012, she led the Sampson Longshots all the way to the national championship in Texas! When she wasn’t on the court, she rarely missed a game on TV, always eager to support her favorite teams but, more importantly, her favorite players - her grandkids. Kay was preceded in death by her first husband, James Sinclair, but leaves behind a family who will carry on her spirit: her devoted husband, Reid Basinger; sons Dewain Sinclair (Karen) and Jason Sinclair; and her grandchildren - Justin Sinclair (Jessica), Reid Sinclair (Haley), Tyler Sinclair (Carlie), Britt Sinclair (Jerri), Kaylan Dudley (Lucas), and Devan Wolfe (Christian). She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Paul, Molly, Reagan, Gray, Cullen, Julia, Macie, Samuel, Edie, and Jack. Beyond family, Kay had an incredible circle of friends who she considered very special. Kay was lovingly cared for by Beverly Bailey and Elena Best who provided help in the home. A special thank you from the family goes to Hepsie Armwood for the love and support she provided for many years. The love and care she received, especially in the last few years, was a testament to how much she meant to others. A celebration of Kay’s life will take place at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 12th, at Keener Methodist Church, 6415 Keener Road, Clinton, with Pastor Leeanne Calhoun officiating. Following the service, Kay will be laid to rest at Grandview Memorial Park in Clinton. The family will receive friends before the service from 10 to 11 AM at Keener Methodist Church, and other times at her home. Kay lived life fully, loved deeply, and walked in faith every step of the way. While she may have taken her final bow here on earth, we know she’s front and center in Heaven - singing with the angels and making sure the good times keep rolling. Memorials can be made to the Keener Women’s Ministry at Keener Methodist Church, care of June Thigpen, 3480 King Road, Clinton, NC 28328.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jessie, please visit our floral store.
On February 9, 2025, at 83, Jessie Kay Basinger peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family. She was born on September 30, 1941, to Jess and Leona Cashwell of Clinton. She was married to her high school sweetheart, James Sinclair until his passing in 2000. In 2004, she found love again and married her devoted h