Callie M. Manning Ashford

Callie Manning Ashford, 91 years old, was called to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Conway, Arkansas. She entered this world on April 11, 1933, born to Bessie and Allie Manning, in Pride, LA. She was a graduate from Istrouma High School, a longtime resident of Baker, LA. In 2005, her beloved husband Melvin passed and Callie moved to Conway, AR where she resided for 19 years.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. A woman dedicated to intercessory prayer interceding for family, friends, Israel and the unsaved.

Callie is survived by her four sons, Melvin L. Ashford, Jr. (Denise) of Maumelle, AR., David Wayne Ashford (Marlene) of Central, La., Gregory Dean Ashford (Ann) of St. Augustine, FL., and Gerald Dwayne Ashford (Karla) of Central, La.; eight grandchildren, Jason Paul Ashford (Tiffany), Jeremy Michael Ashford (Chrissy), Jonathan Stephen Ashford (Jennifer), Joshua Wayne Ashford (Meghan), Sarah Janet Ashford, Todd Gregory Ashford, Mathew Dwayne Ashford (Tierney) and Shaun Micah Ashford (Haley); and fifteen great-grandchildren; Alaina Ashford, Alisha A. Marrie, Jason Paul Ashford, Gavin Ashford, Rylee Ashford, Colin Ashford, Trinity Ashford, Lana A. Jones, Lyla Ashford, Brycen Ashford, Adelynn Ashford, Roseleigh Ashford, Luke Ashford, Walker Ashford, and Knox Ashford; one great-great grandson, Micah Ashford; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Callie is preceded in death by her husband of almost 53 years, Melvin L. Ashford, Sr.; parents, Allie Manning and Bessie S. Manning; brothers, Maurice Manning and James T. Manning; sisters, Juanita Pinell and Marguerite Phillips; nephews, Richard Smith and Reginald Smith; and niece, Teresa M. Kelly.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Ashford, Jonathan Ashford, Sarah Ashford, Mathew Ashford, Joshua Ashford and Todd Ashford. Honorary pallbearers, Jason Ashford and Shaun Ashford.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, LA, on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 10:00 AM until Funeral Service at 12:00 PM, officiated by Gerald Ashford. The graveside service and burial will follow on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Port Hudson National Cemetery, in Zachary, Louisiana.