Joann Bashinsky, the beloved Alabama philanthropist and heiress to the Golden Flake fortune, has died at the age of 89.
Her passing was confirmed in a statement on Monday from her grandson, Landon Ash.
Bashinsky had made headlines recently after being victimized by the Jefferson County probate system in an ongoing attempt to seize control over her assets and affairs. However, even amid the personal siege on her livelihood, Bashinsky remained committed to selflessly giving back to her community and the children of Alabama.
She established a new scholarship fund at Fairfield’s Miles College in recent months, but was reportedly barred from using her own money to buy Christmas gifts for kids in need due to the probate battle. Known adoringly as “Mama B,” Bashinsky was a longtime supporter of causes such as Big Oak Ranch. She was awarded Yellowhammer News’ Lifetime Service Award in 2018 for her longtime philanthropic achievements and generosity.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my grandmother, Joann Bashinsky yesterday, January 3, 2021,” Ash said in a statement. “She was best known as Mama B or Mrs. B, a nickname she was given as her legend grew for her generosity through her philanthropic work throughout the state of Alabama. My grandmother was a champion for those in need for decades and her passing will be felt by countless people whose lives were touched by her kindness and incredible compassion for humanity. Most of all, this loss will be felt by my family and me. Nonny was my champion as well, and I loved her dearly for the guidance and direction she gave me throughout my life.”
“While Mrs. B was in excellent health, both physically and mentally, for someone 89 years old, she was brought to the hospital Saturday and passed away there yesterday from complications of a heart attack,” he advised.
Regarding the probate situation, Ash commented, “Mrs. B found herself under unfortunate circumstances as she spent the past 18 months battling a court-appointed guardianship that continued up until the moment of her passing. She said she was going to ‘fight them till the bitter end’ and that is exactly what she did. Her compassion for those who find themselves in similar circumstances will be felt long after her passing and her work as an advocate for them is far from over.”
“Words can’t describe my sorrow for my grandmother’s passing, though I take comfort in knowing she was one of Alabama’s finest women to ever live and that she is now with the rest of her family in heaven,” he concluded. “I feel blessed to have the solemn duty to carry on her legacy and continued service to others as she taught me to do so well.”
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Big Oak Ranch and Miles College.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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