Roberta Ashley, age 85, passed away on November 21, 2022 in Spartanburg, SC.
Roberta Harris Ashley was born on February 10, 1937 in Asheville, NC to Fannye Biddy Harris of Mill Spring, NC and James Arthur Harris of Asheville, NC. The family traveled in search of work during the Depression finally settling in Delco, NC until WWII was over. After the war they moved to Brevard, NC where Roberta stayed until she went to Furman University in 1954. Two days after graduating with a degree in music, she married Monroe “Monk” Ashley to whom she was married for 62 years. Monk died in 2021.
She is survived by sons Matt Ashley (Ann) of Montreat, NC, John Ashley (Justin) of Pacolet, SC, a daughter Alison Ashley of Spartanburg, SC, one granddaughter, and four great grandchildren. Roberta also has four living first cousins: Bill Anderson (Janet), Jim Anderson (Dottie), Susanne Sherlin, and Pantha Bridgeman. Roberta was predeceased by 2 sisters, an infant Linda Maria Harris and Brenda Harris Swann of Brevard and West Asheville.
Roberta spent much of her young adult life at home raising children and making friends wherever the Ashleys moved. Before retiring to Brevard, NC, they lived in Gaffney, SC for 20 years where Roberta was certified to teach. In retirement, Roberta volunteered with Bread of Life, Rise and Shine, Take Art to Heart, the public library, and Sharing House. Aside from her volunteer work, Roberta was known for her wit and artistic abilities. She and Monk joined the First United Methodist Church in Brevard where Roberta sang in the choir for 20 years and was a Stephen Minister. She loved her church, her family and friends, and loved her Lord who always listened to her pleas for help and never, ever let her feel alone.
Funeral arrangements are being made through Asheville Mortuary Services in Asheville, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eden Terrace Employee Holiday Fund in Roberta’s name, and sent to: Eden Terrace, ATTN Cindy Hughes, 2780 E Main St., Spartanburg, SC, 29307. The family is grateful for the loving care provided by the Eden Terrace staff to Roberta in her final months.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 17 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, 325 N. Broad Street Brevard, NC 28712. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
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