Mrs. Carrie Peeler Ashe, 95 of Danville, Virginia departed this life on June 1, 2026 at her family’s home in Shelby, NC. She was born on September 9, 1930 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Forest Peeler and the late Rose Hoard.

She came to Danville in 1955 after graduating with a degree in elementary education from Barber-Scotia College in Concord, NC. Her first teaching assignments were at E.A. Gibson Elementary School and later at Park Avenue Elementary School. She received her master’s degree in reading at North Carolina A&T State University. She continued her post-graduate work at the University of Virginia, Radford University, and Virginia Tech. She says her interest in education was inspired by her Aunt Mattie, whom she idolized after seeing her dedication to working with students.

She was named the first “Master Teacher” for the Danville Public Schools. In that assignment, she helped evaluate students, worked with educators on teaching methods and materials, and helped develop more effective ways of organizing classrooms. Additionally, she was given the responsibility of Coordinator of Federal Reading and Mathematics program. Later, she was appointed Assistant Principal for Instruction at the newly organized Westmoreland Middle School. She served in that capacity for one year and then was appointed Supervisor of Middle Schools. In addition to those many and varied responsibilities, she was the director of a summer program for academically talented elementary students which brought her great joy. She also spent time as a visiting professor teaching reading at the elementary level at NC A&T.

In 1987, she retired from the Danville Public School System after 32 years of service to both children and adults. In addition to education, she expanded her service to the community at large. She conducted workshops for the Community Improvement Council for parents on “Becoming a Positive Advocate for Your Child” and “Reading Makes a Difference” as well as education workshops around the Commonwealth. She also served as an Adoption Recruiter for the State of Delaware, earning praise from then-Senator Joseph Biden.

Mrs. Ashe is a member of the Danville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is a member of The Links, Incorporated, Danville Chapter. In 1987, she was recognized as an Outstanding and Dedicated Educator from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. In 2001, she was given the Humanitarian Award from the City of Danville by Mayor John Hamlin. In 2009, she was recognized for her Outstanding Leadership for her service as a board member and chair for the Danville Social Services Advisory Board.

She is an ordained deacon and elder at the Holbrook Street Presbyterian Church (USA) where she taught the Women’s Bible Class and Adult Sunday School. She has spoken at many churches throughout the area and is known for her willingness to serve, her love for her fellow man, and God.

She leaves to cherish her memories two sisters: Gwendolyn Stokes of Charlotte, NC, and Margaret McCluney (Thomas) of Shelby, NC; a sister-in-law, Marie Peeler of Shelby, NC; a very dear friend since first grade, Mrs. Janoll Whitfield and her Godson Charles Whitfield (Robin); and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at High Street Baptist Church, 630 High Street, Danville, VA at 11:30 AM. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 10th from 12:00 until 6:00 PM at 120 Andes Drive, Danville, VA 24251.