John Roger Ashford

John matriculated through Ann Arbor Public Schools. Attending Jones Elementary, Slauson and Forsythe middle schools, and graduated from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School. While in high school, John and several of his friends formed a singing group called “The Montrells”. They performed around town for parties and benefits for several years.

Following graduation John attended Washtenaw Community College receiving an Electronic Engineering Technician Associate Degree. He then continued his higher education at Eastern Michigan University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science.

John’s love for computers and technology was reflected in the types of jobs and hobbies he enjoyed. He was employed as a Software Engineer for Balance Technology for 34 years; an Electronic Technician at Reliance Electric Company; and a Computer Consultant at UofM Institute for Social Research.

In 1993, John married Caesanea A. Graham and they have been happily married for 32 years! John and “Caez”, as he called her, enjoyed spending time with family, listening to music, dancing, roller skating, helping each other with community work/involvement, and just being together!

John’s leisure time was spent on building and working on computers, photography, working with numbers, doing electrical and woodwork, playing racquet ball, and being a DJ. Total relaxation came from going to movies and watching TV (Law & Order, The Rookies, and Will Trent). He loved adventure/ action movies, anything to do with Star Track was his all time favorite.

John’s community work was highlighted through his membership and dedicated service to two organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter since April 17, 2010, named Man of the Year in 2012-13. He served in many key positions, the longest as Treasurer; The Ann Arbor Branch of the NAACP where he also served many years as Treasurer among other roles.

John received Christ at an early age at the Second Baptist of Ann Arbor, where his mother made sure he and his sister attended services and participated in programs.

Surrounded by his family, on Friday, March 28, 2025, exactly 75 years from the date of his birth, John left his earthly life, received his wings, and went home to be with Christ.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Hattie Mae Ashford. He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife and life partner of 32 years, Mrs. Caesanea Arthella Graham-Ashford, 3 children; his three children, Lana Campbell (Terry), Yvette Ashford, Tilia Finklea; sister Patricia Ashford-Manley, brother in-laws Lamont Manley (Michigan), Kerrick, Duran, and Dominic Graham (Saint Louis), sister-in-law Towana Burnette (Saint Louis), 6 grandchildren Christina Joplin, Brittney Render-Robinson, Stephany Bryant, Alexis Dednam, Samuel Dednam III, Aaliyah Finklea; Four great grandchildren: Carter Brown, Ryleigh Brown, Amaya Brown, Brittyn Robinson. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to celebrate his life.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM with a Service following at 11:00 AM, at Second Baptist Church, 850 Red Oak Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

In Lieu of Flowers donate to the “Theta Zeta Lambda Scholarship Fund. Checks can be written to "Theta Zeta Lambda Scholarship Fund" and mailed to P.O. Box 1785; Ann Arbor, MI 48106.

Donations can be made online (through PayPal or AAACF) via the following link: https://www.tzlscholarshipfund.org/donations/