Jean Chappell Ashburn

Ashburn

Hamptonville – Mrs. Norma Jean Chappell Ashburn, 92, of US Highway 21 passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the home of her granddaughter, surrounded by her loving family.  Mrs. Ashburn was born July 4, 1931 in Yadkin County to the late Thurmond and Lula Groce Chappell.  Mrs. Ashburn was a graduate of West Yadkin High School and a faithful member of Swaim’s Baptist Church where she was active with the Ladies Auxiliary. She worked with her husband on the family farm, operated chicken houses from 1969-2013, operated several hotels in the area and owned Thruway Food Mart from 1984-1992.  Her greatest love was her family, of which she loved and supported each of them.  Mrs. Ashburn loved to bake them pound cakes, spend time with them any time she could, and especially enjoyed taking them to Sky View Lake where she would perform tricks while water skiing when she was younger.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Bill Ashburn (July 5, 2016); her daughter, Judy Andrews; her son-in-law, David Andrews; her brother and sister-in-law, Shirl & Jessie Chappell; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Junior and Edna Crater.  Surviving are her grandchildren, Christy Andrews Reynolds, Marty Andrews and wife Jordan; great-grandchildren, Austin (Ashley) Gentle, Reagan Gentle, Eli Andrews, Maverick Andrews, Alyssa Martin, Avarie Martin; Brayden and Brylee Reynolds; nieces, Diane Flippin, Pam Long; nephew, Larry Chappell; and several special cousins.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Friday at Gentry Family Funeral Service on Little Mountain Road in Jonesville.  Her Funeral Service will follow the visitation at 2:00 PM Friday in Swaim’s Baptist Church by Rev. Gordon Macemore and Chaplain Mark Brown.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family would like to express their gratitude to Mountain Valley Hospice for their loving care given to Mrs. Ashburn.