Ashton Blackburn

BLACKBURN, ASHTON TAYLOR Ashton Taylor Blackburn, 20, went to be with her Heavenly Father on November 23, 2007. Ashton courageously battled cancer for five years. She was an active member of Gardendale First Baptist Church, attended the University of North Alabama and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. Ashton is survived by her father, Ferrell William (Bill) Blackburn, Warrior; mother, Jacqueline Blackburn, Gardendale; very special mom, Janie Sims, Jasper; grandmothers, Mavis Adams, Kimberly and Martha Blackburn, Warrior; brothers, Will Blackburn, Warrior, Nick Dyer and Caleb Dyer, Gardendale; niece, Hali Blackburn, Warrior; aunt, Dena Drain Parker, Warrior; cousins, Taylor Parker, Warrior and numerous other relatives. Ashton leaves a true saint, Ms. Charlotte Akin, Gardendale, who was with her during her entire illness; other special friends, Dr. and Ms. Lawrence Nelson, University of North Alabama; Rebecca Mosley, a special childhood friend; other very special friends, Claire Brown, Emily Burford, Haley McGrady, Samantha Smith, Mary King, Rachel Gravlee, Brittany Sparks, Amanda Terry, Autumn Buie, her big Zeta Sister and all her beloved Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority sisters. Special appreciation goes to the many friends and family members who cared for Ashton with prayers, cards, gifts and visits during her illness. Special thanks to Dr. Steven Howell, UAB and Dr. Daniel Merielman and staff at Brookwood Hospital for their care and kindness. Thanks goes to Kirklin Clinic Acton Road staff and Odyssey Health Care. Ashton will be cherished forever by her family and all who knew her. Pallbearers will be Taylor Adams, Matt Sims, Steven Sims, Kyle Rhodes, Ryan Russell, Michael Wehby, Josh Kilgore and Marcus Chambers. Pastor Kevin Hamm, Associate Pastor, Mark Harrison of Gardendale First Baptist Church and Reverend Lane Sargent, Retired Pastor of Sumiton Church of God will officiate. Funeral Services will be held at Gardendale's First Baptist Church on Sunday, November 25, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral services at Gardendale First Baptist Church. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Gardens of Gardendale immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sumiton Christian High School, P.O. Box 40, Sumiton, AL 35148, and/or UAB Cancer Research, 1826 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, designated for Sarcoma research. Morgan's @ Gardendale Funeral Home directing.

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Ashton Blackburn

December 15, 1986 - November 23, 2007