1922
2017
Emma England Ashford was born on January 12, 1922 in Alma, Arkansas to her parents Rudolph and Eula England. She graduated from Exeter High School in 1940 and married Raymon Lee Ashford
November 28, 1943. They attended Visalia Church of Christ on Court Street where she served as the secretary and bookkeeper.
She and Raymon spent countless hours in their large garden and raising farm animals to feed their family and friends who worked alongside them during harvest and canning time. They lived a truly self-sustaining lifestyle. Emma loved crocheting and made an afghan for each family member. Most Sundays consisted of church with lunch at their house with extended family singing all afternoon until it was time for evening service. Their frugal lifestyle allowed them to be extraordinarily generous with their time, home and financial resources.
Emma worked in the fields as a young girl and later went to work at C.J. Shannon & Sons for Dick Shannon as a secretary and bookkeeper. As their farming operation grew she worked for many of their companies including Elbow Gin operated by the Shannon and Ritchie families.
She is preceded in death by her son Jerry Lee Ashford, her husband Raymon Lee Ashford, grandson
David Ashford, seven brothers and one sister. She is survived by her sister Patricia Fuller Berk, daughters, Judy Coble (Vergil), Rebecca Vilhauer (David), grandchildren Sheila Ashford, Jenna Wyatt
(Tom), Thad Ashford (Emmy), Erin Yocum (Brice), Lane Colburn (Scott), Casey Vilhauer (Sarah), and 16 great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA on Friday September 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Please dress in cheerful, bright colors.
Donations may be made to the Christian Relief Fund, PO BOX 19670, Amarillo, TX 79114-9955 that is currently providing disaster relief for hurricane Harvey victims. Emma was a founding sponsor of this fund. Online-www.christianrelieffund.org
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Miller Memorial Chapel.
September 19, 2017
Kathy Haskin
Judy and Vergil, Becky and Dave, and families,
Sorry to hear about Emma, she had a long life, filled with God, family, and friends. I am so happy that I was a part, if small, of that life.
Every time she saw me she had a twinkle in her eye as she said "Kathy Sue" with a smile and a hug.
It is always harder for us that are left behind, but the dear memories are always close in your heart.
God bless you all at this time.
Kathy (Ashford) Haskin
September 18, 2017
Linda & Darel Scoggin
My cousin Emma (England) Ashford...a sweet and gentle soul...gone but will NEVER be forgotten.
September 16, 2017
Laura Stafford
Dear Becky, Dave and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you during this time. May you find comfort in the memories you hold in your hearts.
Warmest condolences,
Jere & Laura Stafford
September 15, 2017
Brandi Ross
Emma was a great woman and her presence will be missed by many. I have a lot of wonderful memories of her as I was growing up. I remember as a kid always thinking it was so neat that she always had long hair, no matter her age. My love to the family.
September 14, 2017
Gary and Diwanna Hinds
Emma will be missed, she was such a cheerful and loving person. She loved our Lord , and it truly shone through her beautiful face. Our prayers to the family.
September 14, 2017
Gloria Rogers
Emma was such a wonderful Christian example to me, and I have many precious memories of times Jerry and I spent with her and all the Ashford family. I'm praying for comfort for you at this time.
September 12, 2017
perry herring
September 11, 2017
Les & Helen Downing
Emma was such a sweet little Christian lady. She was always friendly & kind. We are praying for the family during this difficult time.
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