Lillie Ashe (Lansing)

Mrs. Lillie Louise Ashe passed away Friday, August 4, 2023, at Sparrow Healthcare System, Sparrow System, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 81 years. She was born Friday, December 26, 1941, in Sawyerville, Alabama, the daughter of Viola Bell and Oliver McCalpine.

Ms. Lillie, accepted Christ at an early age at Mount Horeb Baptist Church in Newbern, Alabama. She attended Hale County Schooling System and graduated from Sunshine High School. For several years after graduating from high school she remained in Newbern Alabama. She was considered a leader in her community of traveling gospel choirs. Ms. Lillie was most noted for “lead singer” and during that time of ministering and traveling, she would get many requests for her to sing a solo or lead a song. She later met and married Fred Ashe Sr, her husband of 54 years. They had 3 children together and united their 5 children together as a family. In 1967, they migrated to Lansing, Michigan for better opportunities. She was employed by Auto Owners Insurance Company, General Motors Corporation Parts Division and News until retirement. Ms. Lillie was a faithful member of New Mount Calvary Baptist Church for several years and served in various ministries. She especially enjoyed the choir, Women’s Ministry, and Culinary Committee. She was very loving and was a strong support system to her family and friends. She had a special love and relationship with each of her children; absolutely adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and tried to spoil them all. She was often called upon for her honest guidance and wisdom. She met many friends that became family.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories, 5 children, Dorothy J. Coleman, Franklin (Brenda) Coleman of Greensboro, Alabama, Constance (Darin) Dismuke of Dewitt, Michigan, Fred Ashe, Jr. and Albert (Annette) Ashe; 12 grandchildren, Ashley Haines, Timothy Haines, Kenetra Ashe of Nashville, Tennessee, Marcus Ashe, LaKeisha Coleman and Franeisha Coleman both of Greensboro, Alabama, Isaiah Ashe, Ariana Ashe, Dion Coleman Brown, Devin Coleman Brown, Dermonte Dismuke, and Keisha Dismuke; 13 great-grandchildren, Jayden, Lauren, London, Elijah, Timothy III, Kingston, Amir, Adian, Emanie, Bryce, Carmella, and Arlette; sister, Viola Lindsey of Riverside, California; 2 brothers, Jessie Ward and Richard Ward both of Los Angeles, California; devoted brothers-in-law, Frank Ash, Sr. and Rozell Ash of Mobile Alabama; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, her New Mount Calvary Baptist Church Family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Ashe, Sr.; mother, Viola Daniels; fathers, Oliver McCalpine and Doctor Daniels; granddaughter, Shemeika Ashe; and great-grandson, Tevin Griffin, Jr.