Crystal Ashton

Crystal Anita Ashton, adoringly known as Crissy by her family and friends, was born to the late Shirley Ashton and Marvin Fann on March 12, 1964, in Washington, DC. She was ordered to eternal rest by the Lord on Monday, December 16, 2024, with her loving family near throughout the days leading up to her transition. 

Her love for and faith in Christ were the premise of  her exceptional stance in and stewardship of her motherhood, family relations, friendships, and service. Her deep affection for giving and ensuring other’s success were paramount in how she built rapport with her son, grandchildren, family, friends, colleagues, and community. Although she exuded a genuine love towards others that was so emblematic of Christ - and cherished times of merriment with friends and family alike, nothing or no one made her heart beat nor brought out the most fun in her like her grandchildren, granddog, and her very special babygirl-niece’s; Makayla (Lil’Momma), Gabriel (Gabey), Chad (granddog), Journey (TeddyBear), and Ava (Momma).

Throughout school, her career, and the ministries in which she served, Crystal always had a prudent knack for finance and accounting. She was also a stickler for order and a real fan for keeping things simple and organized. These qualities were prevalent in her volunteering in a number of leadership roles in the area of accounting and bookkeeping for a few churches and philanthropic organizations, including at New Jerusalem Baptist Church where she was a devote believer until her passing. Her unwavering commitment to the Lord and her church family was a reflection of the love and devotion she had for God. She leaves behind family and friends that will forever cherish the memories of her loving and fun-loving spirit, her unwavering faith,  her disciplined nature, and the love she poured into every relationship.

Her gift of deciphering and putting in order numbers even lended itself to a prolific and successful 40-year public service career in finance. Crystal faithfully served our nation as a budget and finance leader with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Although stationed at the FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC, she successfully toured and served countless investigative units in the area of budget across the country until her retirement in 2020. She earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues through her thorough analysis, hard work, commitment, and loyalty to the mission of the Bureau. 

To all who knew her, she was a beacon of love, selflessness, wisdom, and grace. Her life was a living testament to the power of faith, family, and the bonds that hold us together—producing a lasting impact on all she encountered. Discipline, work ethic, and thoroughness were of critical importance to her—hence the daily display of their characteristics in her life regardless of her setting or task at hand. From her unconditional love to her stalwart commitment to excellence, she made it her life’s mission to endow upon and instill, as Proverbs 22:6 instructs, these qualities in her son, Jeramie. Her faith was effectual, and it will continue to shine in the lives of all who were touched by her love.

Her legacy is one of unwavering love, faith, excellence, and family, and we are forever grateful for the standard she set - and for the time we had with her. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit continues to guide and inspire us. She is survived by her loving family; one son, Jeramie (Melanie) of Bowie, MD; her loving granddaughter, Makayla, and spectacular grandson, Gabriel both of Bowie, MD; a very special friend, Hank White of Montross, VA; three sisters, Donna Battle-Jackson (Gerald) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Ingrid Ashton of Montross, VA, Karen Blackwell of District Heights, MD; two brothers, Curtis Fann (Cheryl) of Silver Spring, MD, and Kenneth Fann of Washington, DC; four nieces, Demetrice Ashton, Stephanie Ashton, Tiffani Bolden ( Gregory), Tanika Battle; six nephews, Jerome Ashton, James Ashton (Javornda), Jovan (Dionne), and Sherwin (Melissa), Terry McCann and Curtis Fann, Jr. (Jessica); and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to name.  

Nothing on earth endures…But the love of God who sent His son is forever and forever yours!

A Funeral Service for Crystal Ashton will be held on Friday, January 3 at 12 Noon in the auditorium of the Westmoreland High School, Montross, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Siloam Baptist Church Cemetery.

Remains may be viewed from 430PM until 6PM on Thursday, January 2 in the chapel of the WELDON-FISHER FUNERAL HOME and from 10AM until service time on Friday, January 3 at the high school.

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