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Obituary For Theodore Roosevelt Ashford, Jr.
Mr. Theodore Roosevelt Ashford Jr., 71, of Durham, North Carolina, was born on March 1, 1955, and departed this life on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Born to the late Roosevelt and Naomi Ashford, Theodore graduated from Durham High School in 1973 and continued his education at East Carolina University. A gifted athlete, he enjoyed basketball, football, singing, and music. He faithfully served Duke University for 32 years in various roles throughout its systems.
Theodore cherished his family and found great joy in life's simple pleasures, especially watching cooking shows and gathering around the dinner table with loved ones. These moments brought him tremendous happiness and reflected his deep love for family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Pearlie Daye, Maxine Thorpe, and Lynette Ashford Brandon.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving wife, Vanessa J. Ashford; daughters, LaToya R. Ashford and Bishop Dr. Nashanda Justice; sister, Bettie Allen; brother, Marshall Ashford (Linda); brothers-in-love, Curtis E. Justice and Emanuel Justice; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Theodore will be lovingly remembered for his devotion to family, his faithful years of service, the relationships he treasured, and the countless memories he created with those blessed to know and love him. His legacy of love will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew him.
Funeral Service:
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Visitation 11:00 AM
Funeral 12:00 PM
Location: Kingdom Community International | 10855 Quail Roost Rd | Bahama, NC 27503
Interment: Private Family Committal
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TO THE ASHFORD FAMILY I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, HE WAS AN GREAT FRIEND TO EVERYONE THAT WENT TO DHS PLUS HE WAS AN ALSO BALL PLAYER. WE WILL MISS YOU MY FRIEND DACIE HOSKINS CLASS OF 75.
Condolences and prayers goes out to the family
๐๐พMay the Most High place his loving arms around the Ashford Family giving you all comfort and strength! ๐๐พ
๐นTheodore you brought smiles and laughter when you walked into a room. Thank you for that. Peacefully Rest in paradise.๐น
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Rest in the Peace of God, my friend. My sincere condolences to Vannesia and the family Theodore will always be remembered as a person I'm proud to call my friend.
Praying for family .
Sending prayers and comfort to the family. May God continue to give you peace.
Condolences to the family. May God give the family Grace, Mercy and Peace during this time. Blessings ๐๐๐
Yes, North Durham was a great place to grow up in the 1960s and The Ashford Family was a great part of our growing-up experience. Theodore and his siblings carried themselves with respect and they treated others with respect. Theodore was kind and strong and smart. As we grew up, he grew as a prolific athlete and a gentleman. We saw each other in different places as we became adults and we greeted one another with a friendly smile & warm greetings. My sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his wife, children, and family. He will be missed and remembered in our hearts. Love and Prayers!
From your years in North Durham and Durham High School, you will be remembered as a tremendous athlete and a great person. You touched many lives and will not be forgotten. "To every thing is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 Rest in peace, Theodore. Linwood Burden
I will always have find memories of the Ashford family as i spent my teen years associating with the household siblings growing up in North Durham. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I pray for your endurance. The Bible at Revelation 21:1-5 promises that one day death will be no more.
Condolences from your North Durham Community .from East End to Durham High.
He was my brother and we loved him for him. No put on just him. May God take you and love you the way we do.You are at peace with nothing but peace. Love you brother โค๏ธ
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With love from the family of the late Annie Lancaster Scott.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.