Gayle Ashford Person

Friday afternoon, October 24, 2025 at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, the promise was fulfilled
when Gayle Iberia Ashford Person ascended into fellowship with our Lord.
Gayle was the fourth of nine children born to the late Aaron Ashford, Sr. and Carrie Lee
Taylor Ashford. A lifelong Richland County resident, she was nurtured and reared in a
Christian home, with love for God and family. At an early age, Gayle accepted Jesus Christ as
her personal Savior.
She was educated in the Richland County District 1 public schools, and graduated from
Columbia High School (Washington Street). She pursued further educational opportunities at
Midlands Technical College, Columbia College, and the University of South Carolina. After
many years of service and dedication, Gayle retired from the University of South Carolina.
Upon retirement, Gayle pursued other endeavors. Her most gratifying work to date, was with
her family and friends. She loved cooking, sewing/quilting and horticulture. She shared her
joys by gifting loved ones with various quilts and delectables.
In addition to her parents, Gayle was predeceased by four brothers, two sisters and two
nephews.
Other than God, Gayles greatest love was her family. She leaves to cherish her most
precious memories - three children, daughter - Dana Michelle Ashford, son - Dexter Marc
Ashford, and daughter - SaMaria Ashford (Ronald) Hughes; four grandchildren - Jereme
Emmanuel Ashford, Mekhi Ashford Hughes, Mia Taylor Hughes, and Carrie Michelle Ashford;
two sisters Beverly Ashford and Sonya Ashford; two sisters-in-law are Donna Ashford and
Ola Ashford. She certainly loved her family and children, but she was in-love with her
grandchildren. To half the bundle she was affectionately known as "GG" and the remaining
grands called her "ShoSho." Additionally, she leaves nieces, nephews, cousins, other
relatives and close friends who will miss her dearly.