BASKING-DAVIS

VIVIONNE LUCILLE

Peacefully on June 15, 2026, Vivionne Lucille Basking-Davis passed away at the age of 93, at her home, in East Liberty.

Vivionne Lucille Basking-Davis was born December 6, 1932, to Gale and Fannie Hoard Basking in Pittsburgh, PA. She attended Homewood Elementary School and was a 1951 graduate of Westinghouse High School. Vivionne completed training as a X-ray technician at Children's Hospital. Vivionne went on to complete Community College with a Social Science Degree and later attended the school of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh. She held various jobs throughout her years, but her main job was in the Social Service field at the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education for 30 years.

Vivionne joined St. James A.M.E at the age of eight years old. She sang in the Junior Choir, was a Sunday School Teacher, member of the Pro-to-Club, Willing Workers and Pastor's Aide. She enjoyed bowling and traveling, having traveled to several countries and enjoyed many cruises. Vivionne was a member of the Red Hat Society, the Eastern Stars, Ebeneezer AARP and the Twilighters Club. God has always been the greatest part of her life. She was a hard worker, often juggling two jobs at one time.

Vivionne valued education and was a believer in self-improvement. She never stopped growing and learning. Despite being diagnosed with the disease, Sarcoidosis in her early twenties, Vivionne remained resilient and never let her illness define her. She was known for her positive attitude, often saying, "I'm not complaining, I'm just explaining."

In 1954, she married William Jacob Jr. To this union was born Maschell Joyce and Donna Reane Jacobs. Vivionne married Samuel E. Davis, Sr. in 1990 and was a loving, devoted spouse until his death in 2004. A very special thanks to her caregivers, Daphne Austin, Palma Cook, Judy Akers, Diane Wilson, April Joi Payne and Arnisha and LaRhonda Taylor, who took care of her needs until the good Lord called her home. This team provided the necessary care required to ensure Vivionne could remain in her home as she desired to live out her days on her own terms giving God the glory for always making a way for her.

She leaves to cherish her memory two best friends, Laverne King and Lois Edmunds who called to check on her often or bring her food or drop off supplies they felt she needed. Vivionne is survived by her brother, King Basking (Alva Basking) of West Virginia; sister, Vangie Aggard and brother-in-law, Anthony Haze, (both of NY City); two daughters, Donna and Maschell; grandson, Marlon Carter; two great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandson; stepchildren, Barbara Benjamin Davis, Donna Cetrone, Terri Davis and Gwen Davis. May God grant Vivionne peace as her soul is now at home one with the Lord; safe in His arms, forever at rest.

Family and friends are welcomed to attend her visitation on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, 444 Lincoln Ave., East Liberty, PA. The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. Professional services entrusted to COSTON FUNERAL HOMES INC., 412-661-5916.

www.costonfuneralhome.com