Audrey Foster Ashburn

ASHBURN, Audrey Foster, of Richmond, Virginia, and a longtime resident of the Kansas City, Missouri area, died of natural causes in Austin, Texas on September 24, 2010. Audrey was 90 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, CMSgt (Ret.) William A. Ashburn; her brother, Rev. J. E. Foster Jr.; and her sister, Helen F. Wiltshire. She is survived by her son, Barry Ashburn of Roselle, Illinois; her daughter, Rebecca A. (Timothy) Jurgensen; and two grandchildren, Sarah Bremer and Miriam Jurgensen, all of Austin, Texas. Audrey was born on March 30, 1920, the first child of Rev. Junius E. Foster Sr. and Bessie Foster. She graduated from Westhampton College in 1943. During WWII, Audrey was one of the first women to work for the U.S. Navy in a scientific capacity, serving at the Naval Weapons Mine Depot in Williamsburg, Va. On June 6, 1947, Audrey married William Albert Ashburn, a career Air Force NCO. After being stationed in several bases around the country, they were transferred to Belton, Missouri in 1953 where they lived until 1969. They moved to Grandview, Missouri in 1969 where Audrey remained until 1994. Audrey retired after 23 years of teaching junior high science in the Belton public school system. During that time, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year and was included in Who's Who in Missouri Education. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Belton and, later, the First Baptist Church of Grandview. She taught Sunday school and bible classes and was active in the Women's Missionary Union. Audrey moved to Richmond, Virginia, in 1994. There, she was a faithful member of Monument Heights Baptist Church and was active in Belles and Beaus. She was a longtime member of Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Organization for Women Educators. Audrey was a very energetic and outgoing person. She leaves behind her immediate family, other relatives, many friends, neighbors and former students. Her cheerfulness, generosity and love of teaching influenced and enriched all our lives. Her passing leaves a tear in the fabric of life. She will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held in Richmond, Va. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Audrey's memory to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705. (512)452-8811.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.