Daphne Adams Ashworth passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, on Friday, January 19, 2018, with her husband, Ralph, by her side. Daphne was predeceased by her parents, T. Floyd and Pauline Adams; and her brothers, James, Rod, and Tom, and sister, Dahlia Lautares. Daphne was born on November 27, 1932 in Willow Springs, NC. She attended Women’s College (UNC-G) and graduated from UNC-CH with a degree in Medical Technology. She and Ralph founded Ashworth Drugs in 1957 and Lynn’s Hallmark Shops in 1969. She attended Cary First UMC for 62 years. During her life, Daphne stayed active in local organizations. She was a member of the Cary Woman’s Club, the Cary Jaycettes, a founding member of the Cary Library, a docent at the NC Museum of Art, a founding member of the Heart of Cary Association, Hallmark Cards National Advisory Board, Wake Med Foundation Board, Cary Chamber of Commerce Board, NC Pharmacy Ladies Auxiliary Board president, a founding patron of the Cary Debutante Ball, Cary Visual Arts Board, the Page-Walker committee, and long-time supporter of the Dorcas Shop and the YMCA of the Triangle. Daphne and Ralph were jointly honored by several organizations, including Cary Citizens of the Year, Cary Chamber of Commerce Business People of the Year, and Cary Hometown Spirit Award. She and Ralph loved traveling around the world, including their many biking trips to Europe, and they were greatly admired for their energetic dancing skills. Daphne was a gracious hostess who loved to entertain.
Daphne is survived by her husband of 62 years, Ralph, of Cary; sons, Gary (Carol); and Paul (Denise), all of Cary; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Scott (Stephanie), Carter and Mason; Chris (Kelcey), Cameron; all of Cary; Anne-Hunter Hall (Jason) of Fuquay-Varina; Taylor (Anne Marie) of Simpsonville, SC; Forrest of Carrboro; and Sarah of Cary; and brother, Fred (Bobbie) of Raleigh. The family appreciates the wonderful loving care of Anita Oyewole and Benita Henderson.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 23, from 5:30-8:00 PM, at MacGregor Downs Country Club, 430 St. Andrews Lane, Cary. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday at Cary First United Methodist Church, 117 S. Academy St., Cary. Visitation will follow after the service in the Fellowship Hall. The family requests memorial gifts be sent to Dorcas Ministries, 187 High House Rd., Cary 27511, or Transitions Life Care (Hospice), 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
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