“UPDATED” Diana L. Ashton

Diana Lynn Ashton transitioned peacefully into eternal life on Thursday, July 6, 2023. Diana was born on March 7, 1953, to Thelma Jones and lovingly reared by the late Deacon and Deaconess Henry and Josephine Jones in Oak Grove, VA.

From an early age, Diana accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Little Zion Baptist Church in Oak Grove, VA under the leadership of the late Reverend William DeVaughn. Later, she joined Morning Star Baptist Church, led by the Reverend Charles V. Peyton in Montross, VA. Diana received her education from Westmoreland County Public Schools.

In 1970, Diana met her beloved Thomas “Tompike” Ashton, and their hearts intertwined in a deep and everlasting love. They celebrated 53 loving years together, cherishing every moment. Their union brought forth two children, Timothy and Patrice, whom they devoted their lives to raising. Diana’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family as she selflessly fostered and cared for many children, endearing herself to all with her sweet and caring nature.  

Over the years, Diana provided childcare to many of the neighborhood children to allow their parents to go to work knowing their child was in great care and well fed. She loved every child she cared for as they were her own; they loved her too. In 2007, she began working for Colonial Beach Public School System where she continued her passion of nurturing children.

Diana’s kitchen was also a haven of love and culinary delight. With an unmatched passion for cooking, she delighted in preparing meals that nourished not only her family, but also friends from near and far. Her fried chicken, potato salad, and sweet potato pies became legendary, and the aroma of her delicious creations greeted visitors at her door on any given Saturday or Sunday. Stepping into her kitchen meant stepping into a world where food was made with love, ensuring no one left hungry.

Diana’s warmth extended beyond her culinary talents. Her sweet spirit welcomed strangers as if they were old friends, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She found joy in canning fresh vegetables, sewing quilts, solving crossword puzzles, and indulging in her beloved soap operas, faithfully watching them every day. Diana also had a deep love for family vacations. For 20 years, she eagerly anticipated her annual trips to Myrtle Beach, where she was accompanied by her close family and her beloved, Aunt Vicky. Moreover, Diana was a die-hard fan of the Dallas Cowboys. You could find her watching the Cowboys no matter what time they played and no matter how many Washington Commander fans surrounded her.

Diana was preceded in death by her grandparents, Deacon and Deaconess Henry and Josephine Jones; stepfather, Melvin Saunders; siblings, Jerry and Wayne Saunders; sisters-in-law, Virginia “Eloise” (William) Hall, Gloria Ashton, Elnora (Charles) Johnson, and Willnette Carpenter; brothers-in-law, Lester and Robert Ashton.

To carry her legacy, she leaves behind a loving husband, Thomas “Tompike” Ashton; mother, Thelma Saunders; children, Timothy (Crystal) Ashton and Patrice (Burkett) Lyburn; grandchildren, Mikia (Dr. Athalia) Lewis, Kadera Lyburn, Alesha Ashton, and Jaden Ashton; great-grandchild, Ja’Nesha Brooks; two adopted daughters, Janet (George) Ball and Assia Beverly; godson, Frederick Brown Jr; adopted grandchildren, Kirsten and George Ball IV, Laquesha, Anitra, and Michaela Beverly; adopted great grandchildren, Geontae Ball and Kinsley Beverly; siblings, O’Neil (Jacquelyn) Jones, Melvin (Dothea) Saunders, Larry (Irene) Saunders, Betty (Kip) Wood, Jerome Sr. (Crystal) Saunders; two brothers-in-law, Ernest (Margie) Ashton and Garrey (Patricia) Ashton; sisters-in-law, Marion (William) Johnson, Ruth Ashton Wilson, Phyllis (Raymond) Morris, Brenda (Ronald) Cummings, Barbara (Vorden) Wood, Florence Ashton, and Melissa Saunders; special friends, Arlene Brooks, Shawna Gonzalez, and Beatrice Tate; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Home going Services will be held on Saturday, July 15 at 12 Noon in the sanctuary of the Morning Star Baptist Church, 4648 Zacata Road, Montross, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Siloam Baptist Church Cemetery, 1614 Zacata Road, Montross, Virginia.
Remains may be viewed 10AM until service time on Saturday, July 15 at Morning Star Baptist Church.

Services will be live streamed via facebook live @weldonfisher by B&B Media LLC (Mark Bunns)

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