Joann Young Ashley 87, of Montgomery, Alabama, went home to be with her Lord, Monday, April 8, 2024. She passed away peacefully at Jackson Hospital following bedside goodbyes from each of her children.

Joann Ashley was born in Wetumpka, AL to Lonnie Young, Sr. and Emma Traylor Young. The family later moved to Montgomery, AL where Joann graduated G.W. Carver High School, and later attended Alabama State University where she earned both Bachelor of Education and Master’s of Education degrees.

Joann married Wesley L. Ashley, Jr., and became an educator in the Montgomery County Public School System, specializing in early childhood education. Joann and Wesley raised four sons and a daughter. She was a member of Metropolitan United Methodist Church, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and a former member of the Cleveland Avenue YMCA Board of Directors.

She is preceded in death by her parents and 8 of her siblings. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Wesley Ashley, Sr.

Joann is survived by her sons Ronald Sr. (Zestlan), Richard (Cindy), John Sr., Alan; daughter Joan Ashley Russaw (Sean); and a sister, Fannie Young; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law John Henry Ashley and Samuel Ashley (Mamie).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024 in the Metropolitan United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Williams, Jr., officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery Serenity Gardens with Ross-Clayton Funeral Home of Montgomery directing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Joann Ashley’s honor to the Cleveland Avenue YMCA, Montgomery, AL or to Metropolitan United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 260224, Montgomery, AL 36135-0024.

MEMORIAL EVENTS:

Apr 18
Viewing
1:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Zeta Phi Beta Ceremony
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Family & Friends Hour/Visitation

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Apr 19
Final Viewing
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life Service
11:00 a.m.
Metropolitan United
Methodist Church,

3108 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Montgomery, AL

Funeral services provided
by: Ross-Clayton
Funeral Home
1412 Adams Ave.
Montgomery, AL

Burial/White Dove
Release
Greenwood Cemetery
Serenity Gardens,
909 Lincoln Rd.
Montgomery, AL