Obituary of Inez E Ashley

Inez Elizabeth Ashley was born in Boston, Mass. on June 2, 1935 to the late Ida B. Rose and George W. Rose. She departed this life on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 and was preceded in death by her late husband, Ivan R. Ashley and brothers, George W., Aubrey E., Meredith C., and James E. Rose and sister, Bernice Adella Brown. Inez was a woman who was grounded in her faith and her family. As a long-standing member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Boston, her contributions to the growth of the church were instrumental by her participation in the Women’s Guild, as member of the Trustee Board, and as overseer of the church kitchen. Over the years, Inez was affectionally known within the church as a member of the “three Amigos”, which included herself, Ms. Owens and Ms. Lee. God has called all three home, and once again, the three Amigos are back together. Those that knew Inez personally called her “Sister” because that is what she was to most of her friends and family – their sister. You could count on her to be there for you, whether it was to relish in your glory, provide a word of comfort, offer an ear to listen or tell stories to make you laugh until you cried. She was the epitome of a sister! While she could be feared by most (because of her feisty nature) she was also loved by many. Her infectious smile (when she let you see it) and hearty laughter (which she passed down to her daughters) did nothing but make you listen and laugh along. In her early years, Inez left high school to help her mother take care of her six siblings. Being the oldest girl, the responsibility fell on her to become the mini matriarch of her family. She eventually went on to complete her GED and go back to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her completion of a Mental Health of the Elderly program from Boston University School of Social Work catapulted her career working at nursing homes. While she found comfort in working with the elderly, she also had a strong desire to ensure that the health and welfare of the children in the community were being addressed, and so she began working at the Home for Little Wanderers, the ABCD and Head Start programs until her early retirement. Inez’s concerns regarding the welfare of children was the catalyst behind her opening up her home as a foster parent to young boys in need of nurturing. Additionally, along with her dear friend, Ellen Jackson, and other influential Bostonians whose apprehension about the obstacles their children were facing in school, they created a “grassroots” organization in Boston called Operation Exodus. This program was instrumental in propelling the busing initiative for inner city Boston school children by expanding their choices to additional cities and towns under the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunities, otherwise known as METCO. Inez loved to travel and be around family. Any opportunity she had to enjoy good times with her family and friends was always endearing and fun. She enjoyed playing games like bid whist and scrabble. However, her ultimate joy was going to the casino with her friends because you could bet your bottom dollar that she would never come home defeated! Inez was a phenomenal woman who took pride in how she looked and lived. While most of her life involved taking care of others with love and with no regrets, in the end, her children made certain that she was taken care of in the same way. She passed peacefully, at home, with her children by her side. Inez leaves to cherish her memories her son Ronald Kevin Ashley (Cheryl Ashley) of Boston, Mass., and daughters, Janet M. Ashley of Atlanta, GA and Alison A, Givens (the late Darryle Givens) of Canyon County, CA, her brother, Irving Theodore Rose (Connie Rose), her Grandchildren, Rasheed and Chanel Ashley, and Darryle, Daniel and Angelle Givens, her Godchild, Sheryl Holliday, her sister-friend, Adonica Chaplain, David Britton, her brother from another mother and a host of extended family, friends and those that affectionately knew her as “Aunt Nezzi”. ORDER OF SERVICE Officiating….Reverend Carl Thompson Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church Organist… Adam Littlejohn MEMORIAL SLIDESHOW Processional Invocation Reverend Carl Thompson Prayer of Comfort Musical Selection “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin Poem The Final Flight Kiesha Rose Scripture Readings Ron McCray Old Testament Psalm 23 New Testament John 14:1-6 Musical Selection “His Eye is on the Sparrow” Yolanda Miller Words of Remembrance Rasheed Ashley Chanel Ashley Kevin Ashley Remarks (Two Minutes, Please) Obituary Michael Collins Musical Selection “Precious Lord” Yolanda Miller Eulogy Reverend Carl Thompson Benediction Private Graveside Ceremony ~Immediate Family Only~ FOREST HILLS CEMETERY Committal Service Reading of the Poem FALLEN LIMB A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me”. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we’re together again.