Lela Mae Turner Ashworth

Lela Mae Turner Ashworth passed away Monday, January 9, 2017, at her home, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Ashworth, Aunt Lela, Little Mommy, or Ms. Lela, as folks called her, fought a battle with cancer for over five years. She held great hope for healing; standing strong and persevering with the love of God and the support of her family and friends. She fought with courage, dignity, positive thinking and always with a smile on her face. She lived in profound faith and always prayed for others. Her morning prayer always began with, "thank you for another day and another night....." She was born to the late Lafate Turner and Lavada Mann Turner in Vicksburg, MS on December 21, 1934. She was educated at Delta State College, Shawnee College, and the University of Mississippi. Mrs. Ashworth was married for 41 years to her beloved husband, Henry Hanna Ashworth, whom preceded her in death in 2007. After marrying, she spent her time caring for their home and gardening. She enjoyed oil painting, floral design, sewing, and taught ceramics in the community college. Mrs. Ashworth acted as a Girl Scout Leader, served on the water board and volunteered in the library in Olive Branch, Illinois. She also earned her certificate as a Certified Nurses Aid in 1991. In 2008, she retired and made her home in Silerton, TN where she was a member of the Silerton Baptist Church. She was active in the church and raised money for the volunteer fire department. Mrs. Ashworth loved to garden and shared the fruits of her labor with her neighbors and those in need. Mrs. Ashworth is preceded in death by her brother, Jimmy Turner, and her sister, Lillie Turner Elliott. She leaves three sisters; Judy Turner McIntyre (Bill) of Bolivar TN, Ruth Turner Lubrent of Horn Lake, MS, Bess Turner Daniels of Paris, AR and one brother, Tommy Turner Henley (Sandy) of Houston, TX. Mrs. Ashworth leaves behind her sister-in-law Ruth Carolyn Ashworth of Cairo, IL and her brother-in-law Ronnie Ashworth (Marilyn) of Cape Girardeau, MO. She also leaves a niece Corliss Finlay of Cordova, TN, with whom she shared a home, a niece, Gayle Sams (Mark) and many more nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews and great-great nieces/nephews. She felt truly blessed to have so many children to love. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Rocket. He was her companion until her final hours. Brother Robert L. Gibson will officiate her service Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Bartlett, TN. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm with services and interment to follow at 2:00pm.