Ashley Diana Warnock

Ashley Diana Warnock, 45, of Valdosta, GA, passed away on 23 January 2025 at her home in the Parkwood Developmental Center, Valdosta, GA.

A celebration of Ashley’s life and refreshments will be held on Saturday, 8 February at 2:00 pm at the Bemiss United Methodist Church fellowship hall. The burial will take place in the spring at the Tower Cemetery in West Lenox, Pennsylvania. 

Ashley was born in Rome, NY to Theodore “Ted” R. and Carla J. Pease Warnock on 25 December 1979. Ashley was diagnosed in 1980 with microcephaly, a medical condition involving a smaller-than-normal head because the center of her brain did not develop properly. As a result, she was profoundly intellectually impaired and developmentally delayed. Formidable therapists and teachers helped Ashley learn to talk, to walk, and many important functional skills. She loved music, especially Andy Griffith singing hymns, and human character musicals such as: Annie (1982 & 1992), Mary Poppins, Sound of Music, and Alice in Wonderland – Looking Glass (1985). She was also a Mr. Rogers, Barney, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy fan. She laughed and sang along and cheered for the contestants. She enjoyed going out to eat especially for pizza and McDonalds cheeseburgers. She despised red lights– they were always too long for her liking! As Christians, it is our belief that Ashley in heaven with Jesus, her “best buddy” Papa, and many others who loved her. 

Ashley is preceded in death by grandparents Marilyn Darrow Pease, Carl R. and Ethel D. Pease and Richard and Yvonne Warnock. 

Ashley is survived by her sister Cassandra “Casey” Warnock Griffith, parents Theodore and Carla Warnock, nephews Charles “Chad” A. Griffith and Theodore Noah Griffith, niece Marilyn E. Warnock West, and pal Steve Cox. She is especially loved by her Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Bob Owen. She is survived by uncles, aunts, cousins, and many caring staff and resident friends at the Parkwood Development Center. 

Memorials may be given to the Pruitt Cares Foundation designated for the Parkwood Development Center. Pruitt Cares Foundation, 1626 Jeurgens Court, Norcross, GA 30093 https://www.pruittcares.org/ 

The family of Ashley wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Parkwood Development Center which she called home for over 17 years and to Pruit Hospice who cared for her for the past 7 weeks.