Ashley Tennent Gilreath
January 27, 1975 ~ December 18, 2012
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Ashley Elizabeth Tennent Gilreath, of Asheville, died on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Born in Asheville on January 27, 1975, Ashley was the youngest child of Grace Jones (Tennent) Page and the late David L. Tennent. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Michael David Tennent.
Ashley graduated from A.C. Reynolds High School (1993), Boston University (B.A. 1997), and UNC Chapel Hill School of Law (2000).
While in college, Ashley was a member of Alpha Phi. She was a member of Congregation Beth HaTephila. Prior to her death, Ashley was pursuing a teaching degree.
She is survived by her husband, Evan M. Gilreath; daughter, Austen Rose Gilreath; son, Jonathan Tennent Gilreath; and brother, Gregory S. Tennent, and wife Tana of Gilbert, Arizona. In addition to her mother, Ashley is also survived by her step-father, Melvin E. Page; step-brother, Michael Page; step-sister, Melanie Yates; step-sister, Megan Moore; and their families.
Ashley was a devoted wife and mother, a loving daughter and sister, and a loyal and caring friend. Her quick wit and sense of humor endeared her to friends and family. Ashley was a unique, spirited, amazing woman, who will be greatly missed.
The family will have a visitation from 7:00-9:00 PM on Thursday, December 20th at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 21st at Congregation Beth HaTephila, 43 North Liberty Street in Asheville, with Rabbi Batsheva Meiri officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. There will be a luncheon in Ashley's memory at Beth HaTephila in Dave Social Hall following the interment.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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Evan, Austen, Jonathon, and all the family. We know that 2012 has been especially hard, and we send you our love and sympathy. We grieve with you .
I will always remember fondly the memories I had the honor and privilege of sharing with Ashley. Evan: You and your children will be in my prayers.
Evan, Eric, Drake and I are praying for your family.
Phyllis
Evan – You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Ashley was so courageous in her battle. We will miss her. God bless.
Dan, Karen, Katie & David
Evan- my thoughts are with you and know you will have the support of family and many friends. I will always remember our New Orleans trip and that Ashley was able to enjoy the city and have fun.
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY MAY GOD BLESS EVERYONE
As a friend and colleague of Evan’s, I wanted to express my care and concern for Evan and the rest of Ashley’s family. You are in my prayers.
Hi, Evan.
Our family is saddened to learn that you have lost your loving wife. Our hearts go out to your entire family. The Linn Family, Don, Susan, Ryan, Melissa and Annabelle
May our prayers reach you all and help to provide some relief.
Ashley’s memory is a blessing.
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Ashley. May God grant you the strength to deal with your grief and may Ashley rest in peace.
Evan, Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I had Ashley in my class as a freshmen and she had quite a sense of humor. I enjoyed her so much. Your relationship with Jeff was always a special one. Our prayers are with you and your family
My sympathies to Ashley’s husband and family. To Grace: (her mother) I extend my prayers and sympathy to you. We prayed for you and your lovely daughter. May you feel God’s comfort. We all continue to pray for all of you.
Frances Shafer
Evan and Grace, It is so hard to express the sorrow felt at your loss. Ashley was a sweet and beautiful woman. My prayers are with you and both families at this time.
Evan,
You and your family are in my prayers and I know God is with you all. I dare not share words of wisdom, for I have not walked in your shoes. Please know the community is here for you.
Beverly Brock
Boys Arnold Trust Company
Dear Evan & Family,
Our deepest condolences to you in light of Ashley’s passing. Her courage throughout was and is inspirational. We have you in our thoughts and prayers.
John & Lidia Reteneller
Dear Evan…I am sorry..may God keep you close in this time of loss.
My heartfelt prayer in sympathy today, that God will bless and comfort you in His own loving way.
Ginny Kuglin
Evan, please accept our loving thoughts and sympathy.
Evan, Austen and Jonathan and Aunt Grace, Greg and all…..Ashley was a joy to me – smart, kind, good mother, * but my biggest happiness was when at a little over three she was ‘my flower’ girl in our wedding w/ Gregg – you, Grace were afraid she was too young – she was the child I wanted for this honor – and she was precious – she battled and battled this disease as a lady – and will be missed by our family – we are here in the days ahead as needs arise ! ! Vickie Jones Gaddy and Mike, Chelsey and James and Nora Lee Jones – we are united with you all ! !
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. As long as one person remembers, Ashley will still be with us.
Ashley was my favorite neighbor and a person that I really admired. She was always kind and witty. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person.
Evan and Grace, No words can express my sorrow for your loss. Ashley had so much more to give to the world. My prayers will be with everyone in your family.
Martha Wight
DEAR EVAN,
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME.
My heart goes out to Evan and the rest of Ashley’s family. She was a wonderful woman who I will always remember for her abundant energy, determination, and commitment to speak her mind. She was a good friend and will be missed. Thanks for touching my life, Ashely. I was better for it.
Evan & Family,
Although its been years since I’ve seen Ashley, I will always remember her energy, spirit, and spunk at AC Reynolds. She was
truly one of a kind. I think of her quite a bit because she took the time to teach me to drive a manual transmission. You can imagine what that was like. I hope random memories like these can comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Evan, I was so sorry to hear about this. I wish there was something I could say or do to make this easier for you and your family. Just know that I have been thinking about you since I found out and I hope you can find some peace this holiday season.
Evan, I’m so sorry to read about your wifes’ passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God bless you and yours.
Bobbie Schaefle
My most heartfelt condolences to your family on this tragic loss.
Evan, so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. My thoughts are with you all during this Holiday Season.
Evan, we are so sorry to learn of the loss of your wife and mother of your children. Our deepest sympathy to all.
Evan,
We cannot comprehend your loss and we are so sorry to learn of Ashley’s passing. Our hearts go out to you and your precious children. You are in our hearts and prayers. John is coming in for Christmas and we would welcome your visit then or at anytime in the days ahead. With sincere sympathy.
Evan,
We cannot comprehend your loss and we are so sorry to learn of Ashley’s passing. Our hearts go out to you and your precious children. You are in our hearts and prayers. John is coming in for Christmas and we would welcome your visit then or at anytime in the days ahead. With sincere sympathy.
Dear Grace,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on Ashley’s passing. I remember our good times at Fairview School and talking about your children. You are a gracious and wonderful person and I am thinking of you so often these days. With heartfelt love-Ann Pennell Bolinger
Dear Grace
I am sorry for the loss of your pretty daughter. I will miss seeing her at family gatherings.
Linda Howard
Dear Evan, Austen and Jonathan
I am so sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. I will miss her at family gatherings. She was a beautiful and sweet person.
Evan–I am so sorry to hear of Ashley’s passing. I regret that I have not been in touch. I do not pretend to understand the depth of your loss but am thinking of you and your family. Best wishes, and I hope to see you soon.
We only met once or twice at a cancer survivor meeting, but her story is dear to me. I was diagnosed a few years ago at 37 years old with stage3c breast cancer and had a 2year old and 7year old. I feel so for her and her family. She is in our hearts and prayers as is her daughter. I’m so sorry for your loss. Tami
I too knew Ashley from the breast cancer support group, and have a vivid memory of seeing her and her beautiful family at EarthFare, eating dinner with her husband and children, as we were there for the same reason. I adored her wit, intelligence and obvious strength, and was awed by her courage. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. She was a woman of achievement, determination, humor and compassion. Carolyn