Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home

7005 Pocahontas Trail Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

757-229-3011 www.whitingsfuneralhome.com

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The family of Sherri A. Ashby wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown during this time of bereavement. May God bless and keep all of you in His care.

A Celebration Of Life

For

Dr. Sherri Arlinda Ashby

Sunrise Sunset February 21, 1967 April 13, 2020

11:00 a.m.

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church 4002 Ironbound Road

Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

Pastor Dr. Ronald A. Ellis, Officiating

ORDER OF SERVICE

Musical Ministry Elder André Brooks Open Sentences Pastor Dr. Ronald A. Ellis Selection Elder André Brooks “Safe in His Arms” The Word of God: Old Testament Pastor Dr. Robert Whitehead New Testament Minister Rita Smith Prayer of Comfort Pastor Stephanie Bynum Selection Elder André Brooks “All Right” Acknowledgements Selection Elder André Brooks “Worth” Eulogy Pastor Dr. Ronald A. Elis Hymn of Victory Elder André Brooks “May the Work I’ve done”

Omega Omega Ceremony and Elk Rites will be done at a future date.

OBITUARY

I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course,

I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

On early Easter Monday Morning, Sherri Arlinda Ashby slipped out of her earthly body and took on her wings to be with her beloved sister Robyn in heaven. The bond they had in life was completed in death. Sherri’s life began on February 21, 1967, to Sara Linda Ashby Howard and the late James Taylor Sr. She was blessed to not only have a biological father, but an earthly father, the late Quinton M. Jimmerson, and a “Pa Pa” the late Kirby O. Howard, who all loved her dearly. At an early age, Sherri was baptized at The Historical First Baptist Church, Williamsburg, where she took part in her church life by singing in the youth choirs, ushering and other church programs. She later joined hands in fellowship with Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. She continued to serve the Lord there by singing in various choirs, serving in the bereavement ministry, youth ministry, Pastors Aide, and church treasurer. Dr. Ashby was a Class of 1985 graduate of Lafayette High School. She furthered her educational studies by receiving the following degrees: Associate Degree from Thomas Nelson Community College, Bachelor of Science Degree from Old Dominion University, Master’s Degree from George Washington University, and a Doctorate’s Degree from Williamsburg Theological Seminary. She had a long history of hard work ethic, which led her to give tirelessly in all she put her hands to do. She had no problem working more than one job to ensure her goals were accomplished. She worked for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, BB&T Bank, City of Williamsburg, and Camp Peary. Her most recent position was one of pure passion and joy, working in the James-City Williamsburg School system. She worked at Laurel Lane Elementary School, and finally had the opportunity to work with students at James Blair Middle School. Dr. Ashby took on the challenge with grace and mercy. She gave “her babies” as she effectually called her students, not only tough discipline, but unconditional love.

Sherri’s community service dedication is an example we should all strive to emulate. She loved being a part of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Williamsburg’s Chapter, Colonial Temple #380 Daughters of Elks, and The Village Initiative Equity in Education. She also coached softball, first, the family softball team Lady Diamonds, Lafayette High School and more recently, James Blair Middle School. Additionally, Dr. Ashby was a Court Appointed Specialty Advocated (CASA), a title she quietly carried for each of her clients. These are just a few of her passions that shed light on the type of person she was. She did not just talk the talk, she walked the walk. Sherri leaves many fond memories with her loving mother, Sara L. Howard; brothers, James Taylor Sr. and Anthony Taylor both of Triangle, VA, Chad Podish (Serena), of Ft. Benning, Georgia; sisters, Tara Green (Frederick), Minister Nina Jimmerson both of Williamsburg, VA, Turron Jones (Kelvin) of Newport News, VA. Mary Howard of Georgia, Patrice M. Roane of Richmond VA, and Donita Simien of Chesapeake, Virginia; godson, Travon Johnson of Williamsburg; thirteen nieces and nephews; four great-nieces and great-nephews; nine aunts, B. Sharmaine Ellis (Dr. Ronald), Gloria Parker (Michael), Ruth Ashby, Gaile Ashby, Cynthia Taylor, Arleen Tucker, Glendora Finley (JC), Min. Harriet Banks (Lloyd), and Iris Jimmerson; five uncles, Jan Ashby, Marcel Taylor, Charles Jimmerson, Warren Jimmerson (Lorna), and Kermitt Jimmerson (Jackie); five great-aunts, Martha Johnson, Mae Cooke, Mary Cooke, Thelma Johnson and Marinette Fowler; a host of loving cousins, relatives, LHS Class of 1985 and other schoolmates, sorority sisters, and Elk family. “Death leaves a heart ache no one can heal, But Love leaves

memories no one can steal!”