Juanita Ashley

Juanita was, very simply put, lovely – in every way imaginable. Everything she cooked was delicious and everything she made – from dresses to baby clothes to blankets – was impeccably made and beautiful. And, she was beautiful – inside and out. She was the type of lady who wore a brooch on her blouse, set the table with her good china and nicest linens, and called you “dahling.”

Juanita had, perhaps, one of the best temperaments of anyone most people have ever known. An article written several decades ago about the new owner of a local café, Juanita Ashley, stated, “We bear witness to her pleasing characteristics, her ability and integrity. She has always been a student of history and of people…” Juanita possessed a sharp wit and was known to jab you with her elbow and click her tongue whenever she said something funny. She was perceptive (or, as she might say, “I know a snake-in-the-grass when I see one”) and had a knack for sending a card or note at precisely the time you needed some words of encouragement. Juanita lived her Christian values in purest form. She showed kindness and compassion to everyone she met and was accepting of people regardless of their differences, flaws, and difficult personalities. Juanita knew exactly how to make you feel loved.

Weeks before her death, Juanita told her family, “Now I don’t want you to get upset or mad at me when I tell you this, but I’m ready to go. I’m ready to see My Jim.” Although we miss her terribly, we are comforted in knowing that Juanita has been reunited with her Jim, as well as a host of family, friends, and loved ones who are in Heaven.

Preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 56 years, James W. Ashley, Juanita is survived by her daughter, Lee Ashley of Huntsville, AL; grandson, Ron Scott of Worcester, MA; granddaughter, Ashley Conkle (Chris) Smith of Huntsville, AL; great grandchildren, Benjamin James Scott and Samuel Adam Scott of Worcester, MA and Porter Brent Smith of Huntsville, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends who cherish her memory.

The family would like to extend sincere and heartfelt thanks to the staff at Huntsville Hospital’s Hospice Family Care Program for their loving care of Mrs. Ashley.

A graveside service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery in Gadsden, AL. Dr. Julie Lumpkin Payne will officiate. Collier Butler Funeral Home will direct services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Hospice Family Care Program of Huntsville Hospital (https://donatenow.hhsys.org/pages/donations).