Brenda J. Ashford

Life Reflections

Brenda J. Ashford was the fourth child born to the late Willie and Hattie Ashford on September 15, 1957 in Melrose Park, Illinois.  Her sisters Mary B. DuPree and Gardenia Ashford, and brother Bernard J. Ashford preceded her in death.   At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at Rock of Ages Baptist church in Maywood, IL, under the leadership of Reverend T. H. Wade, Sr. Brenda received her education in the Maywood school system where she ultimately graduated from Proviso East High School.  She also graduated from a Cosmetology School located in Oak Park Illinois.

Brenda was the proud mother of three children who loved and adored her dearly. She raised her children with unconditional love and discipline which encouraged them to live life being kind to others, and taught them that hard work and determination would produce fulfillment for themselves and their families.

Brenda had a keen ability to make something big out of very little.  She worked very hard at various companies in order to effectively provide for herself and her family: Omni Superstore as a lead cashier, Dominick’s as Customer Service Manager for 30 years. Lastly, she was employed at Weather Tech where she enjoyed her job and the “family” atmosphere.

Brenda possessed a spit-fire persona at times which was a part of who she was and what made her beautiful. She had a drive and determination to make things happen: The purchase of her home, going on her dream vacations, and the purchase of her dream car. On the inside Brenda had a loving and sensitive spirit and at moments when she allowed it to show, she allowed people to see the very essence of her heart. Brenda’s love for music ranged from old time gospel to some contemporary gospel, from Motown to the blues, and from love ballots to up tempo tunes that she could dance to. She shared her love of music with anyone she came in contact with.

She leaves to morn in her passing, her daughters Rhonda Hendricks (Donald), Tenashia Walton, and her son Antwon Ashford; brother Willie Ashford (Annette), sisters Joyce Meredith (Jessie), Regina Shern (Dwayne) and Renita Ashford; nine grandchildren: Damica, Donzell, Dominique, Demetrius, D`Angela, Donald III, Adrian, Tatyana and Connie, two great-grand children: Destiny and Delvin; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and  a special friend Ulysses Howard.

Repast immediately after service, T.H. Wade Center lower level

Rock of Ages Baptist Church