For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21) Ashley Mellen, a beloved wife, mother, and devoted follower of Christ, passed away at her family home in Memphis, TN on April 4, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with colon cancer. Ashley Marie Adams Mellen was born on February 9, 1981, in Memphis, TN.

Ashley leaves behind her loving husband, Eric, and their three beautiful children, George, Jane, and Jack. She is also survived by her parents, Byron and Valerie Adams, and her siblings, Daniel (Sarah) Adams, Aaron (Lauren) Adams, Philip (Liz) Adams, Adrian Adams, and Joshua (Shelby) Adams. She was preceded in death by her grandparents James and Margie Adams, and George and Patricia Middleton.

Married to the love of her life, Eric Mellen on April 13, 2013, Ashley and Eric shared a passion to honor Christ in everything they did and to build a life and family based on the principles of selfless love and respect. They eagerly welcomed each of their three children into the family and have been raising them with the same passion. As a family, they enjoyed long walks, parks, and the Zoo, shopping trips to Costco, Friday pizza & movie night, and planning fun excursions, going to the beach, spending time with extended family, and many ministry opportunities. Ashley continuously sought to add fun and meaning to the celebration of life events, birthdays, and holidays by establishing family traditions. Her greatest joy was appreciating and nurturing the uniqueness of George, Jane, and Jack. She shared her love of learning with her children through homeschooling, but more than anything else, Ashley dedicated herself to teaching her children to love the Lord and others as she and Eric had committed.

Ashley's love for God and people was evident in everything she did. Living out her faith in the service of others, Ashley brought hope and joy to all who knew her. Her education included graduating from both Bartlett High School and Crichton College.

Accepting Christ as her Savior at an early age, Ashley actively participated in drama and music, directed children's worship, and served in youth ministry at Bellevue Baptist Church. Alongside Colonial Hills Church, Ashley helped build homes for the homeless, minister to children in day camps, visited the deaf school along with many other projects. She loved the people of Jamaica and especially the children. Ashley worked in many ministerial and administrative capacities with the Crossfire Commandos at Dulin's Sports Academy, The Salvation Army, and the team instrumental in the initial planning, development, and operations of the Memphis Kroc Center. She loved her current church home, Mission Church, where she took part in the former Hopeful Hearts Ministry Group, served in children's ministry with her husband, and participated in Bible study and worship.

Ashley's life verse was Romans 15:13, which says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Her resolute faith in God was the foundation of her life, and she inspired all who knew her with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to living a life that reflected God's love and grace. Her final days were filled with encouraging others to love, trust, and know her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Although her impact on the lives of those around her will never be forgotten, Ashley's legacy of faith and service will continue through her children and those she touched inspiring generations to come.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday April 22, 2023, at 11:30, following a visitation at 10:00 at Mission Church, 6000 Briarcrest Avenue, Memphis, TN 28120. A private family graveside burial will be held at a later date.

The family requests that any donations be made to the Mission Church Benevolent Fund or Life Choices of Memphis and any flowers or notes of condolence be sent to Eric Mellen c/o Mission Church, 6000 Briarcrest Ave, Memphis, TN 38120.

Arrangements entrusted to Brent Taylor | Paul McCarver Funeral Directors. www.brenttaylorfuneraldirectors.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Memphian on Apr. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Ashley Mellen

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2 Entries

Everette Hatcher iii

April 22, 2023

I remember in the early 1980´s when Byron and Valerie were blessed with Ashley! They were great parents and Ashley grew up to be a godly mother and wife herself. We in the Hatcher family were blessed to know her!