Edna Lee Ashby Perry Moss

NEWPORT NEWS - On November 19, 2005, an angel was sent down to pick a beautiful flower to be planted in the garden of eternal life. Edna Lee Ashby Perry Moss was the chosen flower. Born September 10, 1919 to the late Thomas and Lucy Wallace Ashby of Williamsburg, VA, she was known to everyone as Edna and 'Ma Dear.' She had been a Peninsula resident well over 65 years making her home at 1017 - 26th Street in Newport News, VA. She was a long time member of First Church of Newport News (Baptist) located at 23rd Street and Wickham Ave. where she served as a past president of the Usher Board, a member of the Golden Age Club and the Missionaries. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She retired from Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, VA and was a licensed beautician. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Abraham Perry Sr. and Earnest L. Moss; a son, Abraham Perry, Jr.; four brothers and two sisters. She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters, Margaret G. Vaughan (Anthony) of Newport News, VA, and Lola Jean Johnson of Hampton, VA; a stepson, Nathan Moss; two brothers, Columbus Ashby ( Anne) of Washington D.C., and Thomas Lee Ashby of Richmond, VA; a sister, Luketha Bartlett of Philadelphia, PA; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friend, Christopher Grant. A homegoing celebration will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 26, at First Church of Newport News (Baptist). Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Viewing will be from 1 to 6 p.m. today. The family is receiving guests at 948 - 16th Street, Newport News, 380-0660. The Moss family is receiving services of comfort from Nicholson-Cummings Funeral Home, 4304 Victoria Blvd., Hampton, (757) 728-0122.