Carolyse Ashe

Carolyse W. Ashe, 86, of Mechanicsville, VA, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Autumn Care of Mechanicsville. She was born on January 29, 1934 to the late Timothy L. White and Essie Jones White in Gates County, NC. Carolyse was preceded in death by her husband Booker T. Ashe, five sisters and one brother, Mary L. Holley (Joseph), Floria M. Boone (Jason), Lois A. Smith (Fletcher), Earl Walter White (Vera), Evangeline Edwards (James Green, Fitzhugh Edwards) and Thelma M. Craig (Leroy, Sr) and her oldest daughter, Christine A. Jackson (Theadore). Carolyse was a native of Gates County NC, and later moved to Virginia at a young age. She gave her life to Christ at Zion United Church of Christ where she remained a member until her death. She attended, and served as Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Adult Choir, a Trustee, and was later honored as Trustee Emeritus. Carolyse attended Nansemond County Training School and later transferred and graduated from East Suffolk High School class 1952. Carolyse worked early in her life as a farmer and as a seasonal employee at Planter’s Peanuts. After the death of her husband, she began domestic work until she secured employment at Rich’s, Earl’s and Belo’s Supermarkets. She was later hired as an Extension Agent for Virginia Tech Extension Service where she taught families to affordably decorate their homes by teaching them to reupholster furniture, make draperies as well as other life skills. Carolyse later began employment with Suffolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority where she retired as the Central Rental Agent. After retirement she returned to part time employment at Hecht’s Department Store (Macy’s). Those that knew her well would say that she had 8 of everything, so this part time job was strictly recreational. Carolyse was the last remaining of her siblings for over 25 years; and would often refer to herself as the last button on Gabriel’s jacket. She was the icon of her family, and she be greatly missed. She tried to keep in contact with her loved ones, and always looked forward to seeing or hearing from them. Everyone knew they were always welcomed to drop by, and enjoy a hot meal, glass of sweet tea, a slice of chocolate cake and more than a few laughs. She surely had some sayings. She is survived by her children; Sylvia C. Ashe of Henrico, Jeaneen A. Gibbs (Zachary) of Mechanicsville, stepson Randall W. Newsome (Erica) of Northern VA. Granddaughters, Kristy N. Jackson of Ashland, Shannon Crozart (Arnold) of Quincy, IL, Lauren A. Gibbs of Richmond and grandson Zachary A. Gibbs of Mechanicsville, great-grandson Xavier Crozet of Quincy, IL. She referred to Margaret Bowers, John Craig, Sr. both of Suffolk, Vernon Craig (Vera) of Hampton, Joan Baker (Earl) of Smithfield, and Leroy Craig, Jr. of Suffolk as her children as well and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A graveside service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Holly Lawn Cemetery, 1525 N. Main St. Suffolk, VA 23434. Rev. Dr. J.J. Ferguson will deliver the message of comfort. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carolyse Ashe, please visit our flower store.