Ashton Cryer 12/1/1989 - 8/26/2016
My Beloved
Ashton,
As I try to write these words, my heart aches from the void. Yet it is filled with joy knowing that God blessed me to be the vessel to carry such an important cargo. Your journey was not in vain. I am so grateful to God for allowing me to not only be your mom, but your care giver on this tedious journey. Because of you, my faith walk got even stronger. Because of you, I learned how to give thanks in all things. Because of you, I learned how to not be weary in well doing because in due season I shall reap if I faint not. Because
of you, I was reminded that when others count you out, I can count on God. Because of you, I was reminded that God said He would never leave me nor forsake me. Because of you, I learned how to allow the Comforter to comfort me. Because of you, I learned how to truly lean and depend on Jesus. Because of you, I learned that this wasn’t about me, but all for the Glory of God. Because of you, I can smile and lift my hands in praise no matter how dark the situation may appear. Because of you, I am reminded that the Lord is my light and my salvation, and that it’s safe to wait on the Lord and be of good courage because He will strengthen my heart. Because of you, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Take your rest, my sweet Princess Warrior! You fought the good fight, now reap your reward. I love you and miss you dearly...
Mama
Remembering Ashton...
On December 13, 1989, God sent an angel to earth and called her Ashton. Her assignment was to represent Christ, inspire and lead others, and use her God-given gifts to bless the world! Born to Alvin and Donna Cryer in Meridian, Mississippi, Ashton Dionne Cryer immediately began to fulfill her assignment. She completed that assignment on Friday, August 26, 2016.
Representing C hrist.
In 1997, at the tender age of 8, Ashton committed her life to Jesus Christ and accepted the commission to draw others to Him. She was baptized and became a member of Mt. Moriah East Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Melvin Charles Smith. She enjoyed singing with the Youth & Young Adult Choir, teaching in Youth Church, and serving in any capacity where she was needed. In her time of illness, she required each visitor to pray before leaving and she often commented that God was using her to demonstrate His power!
Inspiring & Leading Others.
Ashton graduated from Ridgeway High School in 2009, and was known as a leader among her peers. Her favorite color was purple, which is associated with royalty, wisdom and creativity. The fact that she never complained nor gave up set a high standard for others to follow. Several of her friends came to Christ because of the example that she set. She was affectionately known as “Honey Bee” because, just like the honey bee, she pollinated the world with seeds that will continue to produce fruit for years to come.
Using her God-given G ifts to Bless the World!
Having attended the Art Institute of Memphis and Tennessee Academy of Cosmetology, Ashton used her exquisite creativity to bless the world. She made dresses that were sent to people who were in need of clothing in Africa. She taught art classes to help future artists develop their gifts, and she drew many of the tattoos that her friends and relatives are wearing today. She loved to cook, and was an avid watcher of the Food Network and other cooking shows. Although her earthly assignment has ended, Ashton’s big heart, love for her family, strong faith in God, and creative genius will live on for generations. To cherish her loving memory, she leaves her parents, Alvin and Donna Cryer; five siblings: Essence Williams, Ebony Cook, Alton Cryer, Alyica Cryer, and Avery Cryer; neice and nephews, Nicholas, Jamarius, Ethan, Jay R., and Kristen; a beloved godmother, Ms. Rosie Conley, and a host of uncles, aunts, other relatives and dear friends.
Order of Service Prelude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalm 27. . . . . . . . . . Mount Moriah East Music Ministry Procession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Ashton Dionne Cryer Scripture Reading: Old Testament Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Ronald Claxton New Testament Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Terrence Brittenum Temple of Deliverance COGIC
Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Zachary Finley Mount Calvary M. B. Church (Meridian, MS)
Musical Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mount Moriah-East Music Ministry Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brother Jeremy Nall, Church Member Mr. Montrell Britton, Classmate/Friend Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalmist Renee Lee McCreight
Silent Reading of the Obituary
Solo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalmist Ebony Jackson Special Tribute from the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. Alton Cryer, Brother Musical Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mount Moriah-East Music Ministry Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elder Marvell Mitchell Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sister Dorothy Hudson The Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Melvin Charles Smith, Senior Pastor Mount Moriah-East Baptist Church
Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Ashton Dionne Cryer
~ At the family’s request, the remains will NOT be viewed following the eulogy. ~
Acknowledgment
A loving nature, a heart of gold; the very best this world could hold. Never selfish, always kind...these are the memories Ashton left behind. The family of Ashton Cryer expresses our sincere gratitude for the outpour of love that has been shown to us in her illness and in her passing. Special thanks to the doctors and medical staff of Vanderbilt Hospital (Nashville, TN), MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX), Methodist Germantown (ER and ICU), Baptist East Oncology Department, Dr. Stephen Besh and the staff of The West Clinic, and to Ms. Jackie Roberts and Mrs. Barbara Jackson Bell for their assistance in her care. May God bless each of you.
Pallbearers
Mr. Brian Sparrow Mr. Brandon Sparrow Mr. Jeremy Calhoun
Mr. Sean Calhoun Mr. Martrell Britton
Mr. Christopher Cryer
Professional Services
Serenity Funeral Home & Crematorium 1632 Sycamore View Road ď Ź Memphis, Tennessee 38134 (901) 377-3543
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4, KJV)
Precious Memories Graphics & More (901) 257-9124 l pmgm.memphis@hotmail.com