Jacqueline Martin Ashford

Jacqueline “Jacque” Martin Ashford, unexpectedly passed away at her home in Charlotte, NC on May 29th at the age of 74. Born January 29, 1939 in Tupelo, MS, she was the daughter of the late James Granville Martin and Anna B. Young Martin.

Jacque grew up in Tupelo, MS until her family moved to McComb, MS, where she graduated from high school. She attended Mississippi State College for women for two years, and finished her college education at the University of Mississippi with a BA degree in elementary education. She was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority during college. She taught school in Aberdeen, MS and Racine, WI for a few years before becoming a full time mother. In Racine, WI she became a member of the Junior League. Jacque continued to be involved with the Junior League throughout her life, and was a sustaining member in Charlotte.

Jacque and Jim, her husband of 52 years, lived part of the year in Highlands, NC and part of the year in Charlotte, NC. They both attended the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands; as well as, Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC.

She was an amazingly generous, kind and loving woman to her family and friends. Jacque never forgot a birthday or an anniversary. And, she always graciously opened her home to all. There wasn’t a soul who met her that didn’t part with a smile, and probably some homemade chocolate chip cookies. She loved and served people in a way that made Jesus smile. If you met her, you left a better person.

Jacque loved to play golf, and made a hole-in-one on three different occasions. She was an active volunteer in her churches and throughout her children’s lives. She was a devoted Nana to her seven grandchildren, being their #1 cheerleader on the sidelines. She was an amazing example of selfless love to her family. Jacque/Mom/Nana you will be dearly missed.

Jacque is survived by her loving and devoted husband, James K. Ashford, Sr.; three children, Diane A. Denton and husband Bill Denton of Cornelius, NC, James K. Ashford, Jr. and wife Jennifer Ashford of Davidson, NC, and Catherine A. Hensley and husband Andrew Hensley of Charlotte, NC.; seven grandchildren, Sarah Denton, Spencer Ashford, Michael Ashford, Harrison Ashford, Garrett Hensley, Carter Hensley and Alex Hensley; brother, James Martin and wife Candy Martin of Burlingame, CA; and nephew, Tyler Martin of Burlingame, CA.

A funeral service will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, June 1, 2013 in the sanctuary of Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte,

NC.

The family will receive guests from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Harry and Bryant, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte, prior to the service at the church.

There will also be a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 3, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church in Highlands, NC.

A reception will follow at Highland Falls Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice in memory of Jacqueline Ashford.