Barbara Basye Reid

Barbara Basye Reid, 92, formerly of Union City, Tenn., and Asheville, N.C., died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Bellingham, Wash. Barbara was born June 4, 1932, in South Carolina to Archibald and Ruth (Crawford) Reid. She graduated in 1950 from Lee H. Edwards High School in Asheville. In the early 1950s, Barbara was thrilled when something she wrote was published in Reader's Digest magazine and then, in 1955, on page 293 of the hardback book Keys to Happiness: A Reader's Digest Guide to Successful Living. Barbara was a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 2007 after 30 years of dedicated work in Obion County, Tenn. Barbara, who loved animals, also worked with and ran the Northwest Tennessee Humane Society for many years. She loved making funny faces to make others laugh and will be remembered for her sense of humor. A lifelong Democrat, Barbara believed in helping those who needed help and that health care is a human right. She is survived by her son, Jonathan Powell of Zionsville, Indiana; two daughters, Diana Powell of Bellingham, formerly of Memphis, Tenn., and Rosemary Reese of Union City; a brother, Charles Reid of Denver, N.C.; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Barbara was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Haynes of Aiken, S.C., and Virginia Reid of Los Angeles, Calif., and a brother, Randy Reid of Anderson, S.C. She was also preceded in death by her beloved canine companions Frosty and Skippy, in addition to many other dogs and cats that were dear to her heart throughout the years. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's name to the Whatcom Humane Society, 2172 Division St., Bellingham, WA 98226 or to your local animal rescue or humane society. Please sign the Book of Memories, light a candle and leave your condolences for the family at www.MtBakerCremation.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara, please visit our floral store.