(May 2, 2009) - Growing up in Wallace, NC, Ann grew up in a closely-knit, Christian family. Ann, the youngest of six children, was born to Mary Alice and James Oscar Barden on January 29, 1927.
On June 17, 1987, Ann married the love of her life, Rev. Dr. Columbus Ashby who she affectionately called “Prince.” For twenty-two years, they were inseparable.
Ann was a universal mother and a divine mother of the earth. She loved and adored her children: Almeta, Anna, Karen and Sharon.
Ann graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters’ Degree in Counseling from Fayetteville University and a Ph.D. in Education from her studies in Africa. Ann devoted her career to education, serving as a teacher and a counselor in the DC Public School System. She retired after 37 years of service. As a counselor at J.C. Nalle Elementary School, her program enhancing learning has been entered into the U.S. Congressional Record. As a result of great endeavors, she was named delegate to the White House Conference on Children.
Dr. Ashby was the author of two books, “What Child Is He?” and “Dyslexia Trials and Triumphs” and a community activist – holding lifetime memberships in the NAACP and the National Press Club.
Ann was also a devoted member of Vermont Avenue Baptist Church and frequently attended First Rock Baptist Church with her husband.
Survivors include her loving husband, Reverend Dr. Columbus Ashby, three devoted children, Anna Seriba, Karen Adebiyi, Sharon Scott, God-daughter Reverend Almeta Bowman; four stepchildren: Dr Richard (Donna) Ashby, Tomba (Spring) Kambui and Michelle (Bryan) Vaughn; fifteen grandchildren; two sisters: Gladys Barden-Wilson and Leah Cole. She was preceded in death by three brothers: Filmore Barden, Daniel Barden and Vernon Barden. A special niece Alfreda Meets, and two special friends, Rev. Charlene McCamey and Andre Fisher.