Narcissa Elizabeth Basten

Narcissa Elizabeth Basten, 81, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on January 28, 2026. Born on May 9, 1944, to the late Rosalie and David Ellis Basten. “Cissa” grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia where she attended E.C. Glass high school and then graduated from Queens College in North Carolina. She then went on to start a catering company with her cousin, Laurie Babcock. She was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Cissa is survived by her three daughters, Cissa (Ed), Laurie (Trey), and Carrie (Jeff) as well as her brothers, Louis (Mary) and David (Leslie) and sister Rosalie. She held the most special place in her heart for her six grandchildren, Isabel, Penn, Ellis, Crawford, Landry and Boyd. Nothing in the world brought her more happiness than spending time with her family curating the best adventures and celebrating all the special moments as their beloved “CC”.

At a young age Cissa attended Camp Alleghany for girls. She fell in love with the mountains of West Virginia and passed this love on to her children and grandchildren. She would continue to spend her summers there as a child and then as a counselor. After taking some time off, she would return as a counselor and was affectionately known as “Mama Cissa”. Her summers spent there were some of her happiest, full of lifelong friendships and memories.

Cissa lived a vibrant life full of travel and entertaining with friends and family. She was known to all as a wonderful hostess who made every event, big or small, filled with joy and love. She poured her heart into supporting her grandchildren's passions and was happiest when in the stands cheering them on. She served as an inspiration to everyone that knew her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM.

In memory of Cissa’s passing, please consider making a donation to Meals on Wheels, St John’s Day School or to the E.C. Glass Boosters care of Kay Vaughon and mailed to 2022 Wigginton Road, Lynchburg, Virginia 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.