Mae Ashford
March 23, 2021

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello ,  AR 71655 3/25/2021 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Map & Directions Funeral Service Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church Oakland St. Monticello ,  AR 71655 3/26/2021 at 1:30 p.m. Map & Directions   Union Ridge Cemetery Midway Rt Rd Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions

Mae R. Ashford, age 79 of Monticello, passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock, AR. She was born to Curtis and Mary Ridgell Rawls on June 2, 1941, in Wilmar, AR. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Maurice Ashford; and three brothers, Alvester Rawls, R.C. Rawls and Albert Rawls. She received her education at Drew Central High School in Monticello, AR. Mrs. Maelene joined Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in August of 1949, under the Pastorage of Rev. W.H. King. She has continued to serve faithfully until her death.

She was a member of the Sunshine Band and later the Junior Circle. She was presently the chairperson of the Nancy Brandon Circle, the Women’s Day Committee and the Mother’s and Deacon’s Ministry. Other services she was involved in included the Ladies Sunday School Class, Baptist Training Unit and sung in the Junior and Senior choirs. She was also a member of OES Sunshine Chapter #64. She was a caregiver for Advantages where she worked for fifteen years until her death. She was also a former employee of Area On Aging Agency and the Health Department where she retired. One of her hobbies that she really enjoyed was cooking.

She leaves to cherish her memories two sons, Rev. Marvin Ashford (Felicia) of McGehee and Joseph Ashford of Monticello; two daughters, Jo Martin-Gentry of Monticello and Gayle Burks (Terrence) of Buford, GA; five brothers, Otis Rawls of Detroit, MI, Curtis Rawls and wife Margaret of Detroit, MI, David Rawls and wife Lorraine of Detroit, MI, Terry Rawls and wife Lillie of Monticello and Perry Rawls and wife Melanie of Monticello; one sister, Letha Block of Monticello; six grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She will leave this on record: If when I have given the best of my service telling the world that the Savior has come, be not dismayed when men don’t believe you. He’ll understand and say well done. When you have come to the end of your journey, weary of life and the battle you’ve won bearing your cross of redemption, He will understand and say well done!

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