Betty J. Ashley, 90, formerly of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 11, 2014.
Ashley was born in Hinton, W.Va, the daughter of Paul Stewart and Marie Allen James. She was a joy to her family and those around her.
She is survived by her husband, Bill, and three sons, James Allen Ashley (Debbie) of Greenville, W.Va, William T. Ashley II (Laurie), of Tallahassee, Fla., and Bradley S. Ashley (Cindy) of Sebastian, Fla.; grandchildren, Jennifer Lowry, Jamie Lowry, Katie Ashley, Meredith Ashley, Elizabeth Ashley, Amie Brister (Sheldon), and Amanda Paholsky (Dan); six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Ashley was a well-known and respected church musician. She was an organist for a major theater in Huntington, W.Va. She was an organizer and director of youth choirs, adult choirs, and hand bell choirs in South Carolina, Florida and West Virginia. Her most recent love was the music director at Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens. She served as director of Creative Ministries St. Mark United Methodist Church of Seneca and also served as their choir director. More recently she served Grace UMC in a similar capacity.
Ashley, at the request of President Frank Foster of the Florida Jaycees, became the organizing chairperson of the Florida Jaycee Auxiliary. She was honored to be awarded Congresswoman #1 by that organization in 1976.
Ashley and her husband became associate members of the First Presbyterian Church of Hinton, W.Va., where they attended church during the summer months.
Ashley was an exceptional Sunday school teacher. She taught the Pairs and Spares Class at the First Methodist Church of Vero Beach for many years. She taught the Joel Cannon Class at Grace UMC for several years, and she proudly remained a member of the class until her passing.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 309 East Cedar Rock Street, Pickens SC 29671 or to the First Presbyterian Church of Hinton, WV 25951.
Memorial services are to be held at Grace United Methodist Church, Pickens, S.C., at 2 p.m., Sunday Feb. 16. A second service is planned in Hinton, W.V., on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Presbyterian Church, weather permitting. Final plans for Hinton are subject to change due to the unusual travel requirements.
Dillard Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements and the Pavont Funeral Home will be in charge of final arrangements in West Virginia.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www. DillardFunerals.com
The family is at 101 Fox Lane, Pickens, SC.
