Mr. De'Shawn Jeffery Ashford's Obituary
In humble submission to the will of God, we the management and staff of Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors join with the Ashford and connected families to announce the earthly transition of Mr. Deshawn Jeffrey Ashford, 25, of Clinton, NC.
LIFE’S REFLECTION
De’Shawn Jeffrey Ashford, lovingly called “DJ "was born July11, 2020 in Cumberland County. He transitioned peacefully in the home on Friday, December 5, 2025.
According to Jeremiah 29:11; God knew the plans He had for De’Shawn despite medical complications at birth and being given a life expectancy of 3 weeks. God graciously blessed him with 25 years of bringing joy to his family and friends. He would often tell his family to “sing” if they seemed down or were having a rough day. A few songs he loved singing were, “Maybe God Is Trying to Tell You Something” and “Better Days” by Le’Andria Johnson.
Some of his favorite things to do were singing at night while everyone was trying to sleep, tossing old pacifiers that lost their flavor, and playing on his tablet. Some of his favorite shows were: “Bubble Guppies”, “Backyardagains”,“Caillou”, and “Ni Hao Kai-Lan”, “The Price is Right” and “The Family Feud” to name a few.
De’Shawn received an Academic Allstars Award in 2018 and graduated from Lakewood High School in Roseboro, NC in 2021.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents; Herman and Bessie Mae Ashford, maternal grandmother, Annie Delores Williams Walker and an uncle, Clarence N. Walker
He is survived by his mom and dad, Matthew and Carla Ashford, his siblings, Rachel and Andre Ashford of the home. He was blessed to have his brother “Andre” as his special caretaker and riding partner. He also leaves to cherish his memories, a maternal grandfather, Clarence A Walker (Clinton) and aunt, Denise Marshall (Clinton); uncles, Eddie (Lisa), Perry (Vonder) and Johnny Ashford and a host of cousins. He was loved by many and held a special place in his heart for a special family friend, Mark Pariseau.
“DJ”, you never said you were leaving, you never said goodbye.
You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why.
A million times we needed you, a million times we cried.
If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.
In life we loved you dearly in death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you, the day God took you home."
Services of Love & Compassionate Care have been entrusted to Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors and Cremations, LLC.
What’s your fondest memory of De'Shawn?
What’s a lesson you learned from De'Shawn?
Share a story where De'Shawn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with De'Shawn you’ll never forget.
How did De'Shawn make you smile?
