Charlesetta Saunders Ashley was born June 4, 1935, to her parents, Thelma Marie and Luther Earl Saunders in Anadarko, Oklahoma.

Charlesetta, (Charlye), grew up with her siblings Luther Earl (Bobby), and Lila Belle (both deceased); Jerry Dean, Cleda, Lawrence (Larry), Harold (Chee) and Jan Louise in Chickasha, Okla.  She was the apple of her stepfather's eye, Howard Williams.  Charlye accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age, and was baptized at First Street Baptist Church, Rev. Newton, pastor, in Chickasha, Okla.  She attended Lincoln High School grades 1-5 and then went to live with her Uncle Dudley and Aunt Lillie Jenkins in Los Angeles, Ca. for one year, completing the 6 ^th grade; then on to San Francisco, CA. to live with her cousins, Zelma and Fredrick Barnes  to complete the 7 ^th and 8 ^th grades in one year.  The next year found her back in Los Angeles, where she completed grades 9, 10, and 11.  For her senior year Charlye came back home to Chickasha to graduate, receiving Honorable Mention in 1953.  She was a majorette in the High School Band.  The official name of the school was Lincoln High School, but it encompassed grades 1-12.

Charlye met and married her husband, Thomas Richard Ashley, during her senior year.  She traveled and lived in several states as an army wife and mother: Ft. Sill, Okla., Kentucky, Germany and eventually settling in his hometown of Pass Christian, Ms.  To this union was born six children: Clemont Paul, Peter John, Patricia Ann, Dwan Michielle, Thelma Theresa (Tweet), and Roselyn L'zette.

In 1975, following husband's death, Charlye and family moved to Long Beach, Ca to be near her siblings and extended family.  After eighteen years, the family returned to Pass Christian, Ms. which was her last place of residence.   Her higher education included graduation from Phillips Business College in Gulfport, Ms. and taking courses at Long Beach City College.

Charlye leaves to cherish her memory her children and Michael Manuel (son);  Liz Ashley (Peter), George Watson (Roselyn); additional siblings, Annette, Marvin, Myron, and Gordon.

Grand children: John Michael, Dena Marie; Casonya (Andre); LaKisha, LaTravia, Jamiella Nash; Thomas III, Donna ; George, Jr., and Ashley Watson.

Great-grandchildren: McKayla, Javion, Kierra, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, and Aaram.

Great-great grandchildren: Mason and Ava

And a host of relatives and friends.

Charlesetta (Charlye) Ashley was a very compassionate and caring individual who was loved by all.  She didn't have a mean bone in her body. She never raised her voice and always had a smile on her face. She will be sorely missed.