Mrs. Nancy Lee Bull Ashby, 90, wife of the late Abel Thomas Ashby Sr. and a resident of Onancock, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus with family by her side after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at Commonwealth Senior Living at the Eastern Shore. Born Feb. 22, 1932, in Pastoria and raised in Parksley, she was the only child of the late Herbert L. and Mary Matthews Bull.
Nancy graduated from Parksley High School (class of 1950) and received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Madison College in 1954. She later would receive her master’s degree from Old Dominion University. For nearly 40 years, Mrs. Ashby taught and inspired young minds as an Accomack County Public School teacher. A member of Market Street United Methodist Church for 66 years, Nancy was unwavering in her faith and dedication to her church, serving as a member of the Altar Guild, the Carrie Radcliffe Circle, and the scholarship board. Over the years, she also volunteered her time at the Hermitage (now Commonwealth Senior Living), assisting with planning and decorating for monthly birthday celebrations for residents. Nancy loved traveling and attending big band dances with her husband, Abel, and always looked forward to her special friends in her bridge club. Her greatest joy was always her family. Nancy especially adored her grandchildren and was grateful for every moment spent with them.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Susan Mergler and her husband, Andy, of Onancock, and Abel “A.T.” Thomas Ashby Jr. and his wife, Sharon, of Midlothian, Va.; grandchildren, Ashlee Fielding Mergler, of Mt. Dora, Fla., Andrew Marlen Mergler (Taylor), of Annapolis, Md., and Abel Thomas “Trey” Ashby III, of Midlothian; step-grandson, Michael Been (Becca); and her goddaughter, Ashby Seay, of Eastville.
A service to celebrate Mrs. Ashby’s life will be held at Commonwealth Senior Living at the Eastern Shore on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Robert Fletcher officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service. The family will gather for private interment at the Belle Haven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Ashby’s memory may be made to the Onancock Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 28, Onancock, VA 23417; Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 616, Onley, VA 23418; or Market Street UMC, 75 Market St., Onancock, VA 23417.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
