Philanthropist Joann Bashinsky Dies At 89

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — One of the Birmingham area's most prominent philanthropists has died. Mountain Brook resident Joann Bashinsky died Sunday at age 89 of a heart attack, according to a statement from her grandson, Landon Ash.

Bashinsky was the widow of Sloan Y. Bashinsky, who was the founder, chairman, and CEO of Golden Flake Foods.

"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," Ash said. "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."

Among the many causes she championed in her lifetime, Joann Bashinsky announced last summer he establishment of the Joann Bashinsky Scholarship Fund at Miles College. This $168,000 gift will provide three four-year scholarships to competitively selected students who lack the financial resources to attend college.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Big Oak Ranch and Miles College.