Jean Payne Basnight, 84, of Manteo, NC died peacefully in her sleep with her husband by her side on Sunday December 11, 2022. She was married to Samuel C. Basnight for 64 years. Born Shelva Jean Payne on November 19, 1938, “Miss Jean,” as she was known by many, had a true servant’s heart.
She loved helping people in many different roles. Miss Jean served as a helper to her husband in the Manteo Lions Club until she joined herself. She took part in her first Emmaus Walk in the early 1990’s. She was in Albemarle Emmaus #10 (AE 10) as a pilgrim. Following this experience Miss Jean served on many Albemarle Emmaus teams and, together with her husband, Mr. S.C., sponsored dozens of others on their Emmaus walks. Miss Jean also served in the Gideons Auxiliary placing Bibles in hotels and businesses throughout the county.
Miss Jean began working at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church after working earlier as a home daycare and a janitor at Manteo Elementary School. She worked at Mount Olivet for over 35 years. During this time, she served as a lay speaker and as a lay representative to the NC Annual Conference on several occasions. Even after retiring, Miss Jean volunteered for a while at the church.
Miss Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Reuben Elliott Payne, Sr. and Essie Dough Payne, and her brothers, Reuben Elliott Payne, Jr., and David Payne. She is survived by her husband, Samuel C. Basnight, Jr. and her children, Chris Basnight (Christine), Sandy Basnight, and Anna Basnight, and her granddaughter, Zoe Basnight.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church with Pastor Marc O’Neal officiating. Inurnment will take place in Roanoke Island Memorial Gardens.
Flowers are welcome. Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International (PO Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090) or the Manteo Lions Club (PO Box 323, Manteo, NC 27954).
To plant a tree in memory of Jean or send flowers to the family, please visit www.TwifordFH.com/send-flowers.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.