Carolyn Deese Ashcraft, devoted wife, beloved mother, cherished grandmother, and treasured daughter, passed peacefully into her eternal reward on Sunday morning, September 7, 2025.

Carolyn was the loving wife of Wade Ashcraft and the devoted mother of Craig and Corlis. She was affectionately known as "Mumsy" to her precious granddaughter, Caleigh. Born to EA and Ruby Deese, Carolyn carried forward their legacy of grace, strength, and deep faith.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Wade, her beloved son Corlis, and her dear daughter-in-law Wickie Ashcraft.

As an only child, Carolyn was a devoted daughter in every sense—caring for her beloved parents through every stage of life, whether near or far. Her deep well of compassion extended far beyond family; every person within her reach felt the blessing of her generosity, her faithful prayers, and her quiet acts of love. She served not for recognition, but because service was her love language—expressed through meals delivered, calls made, hands held, and burdens lifted. Even as her health declined over the last nine years, her heart never stopped yearning to do, to go, and to serve again. Though her body was confined, her spirit remained strong, hopeful, and anchored in faith.

Carolyn was the epitome of a lady—a true steel magnolia in every sense of the word. With perfect posture, gracious manners, and a keen understanding of the finest nuances of etiquette, she carried herself with quiet elegance and dignity. Beneath that refined exterior was a woman of immeasurable strength, resilience, and unwavering faith.

Through seasons of deep sorrow—Wade's illness and her early transition to widowhood and the unimaginable loss of her beloved son Corlis—Carolyn stood firm, anchored in complete trust in God. Her heartache never diminished her hope. Whether walking through grief or stepping into a new joyful chapter, her foundation remained the same: the Word of God, steadfast prayer, and daily devotion.  She was ever curious, always learning, always improving—committed to practicing her many gifts while keeping a close eye on current events and a fixed gaze on the eternal. Her life was a beautiful blend of grace and grit, tenderness and tenacity, tradition and transformation.

Carolyn's greatest joys were found in ministry. For many years, she faithfully served as the church organist and youth Sunday School teacher, pouring into the next generation with music, wisdom, and grace. Alongside Wade, she meticulously cared for the details of church life in his role as secretary, and both of them served with equal dedication through their work with the Bay City Cemetery Association, ensuring dignity and care extended beyond life.

Yet among all her acts of service, nothing brought her greater joy than partnering in ministry with her son Craig. She considered it one of her life's highest honors to support him as he planted and pastored churches. Her heart held a special place for the South Pacific, and she joyfully traveled to Vanuatu and New Zealand—offering her time and heart to Bible schools and churches, encouraging leaders, and sharing the love of Christ across oceans and cultures.

Carolyn leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, and servant-hearted love that will echo through generations. She is survived by her devoted son and daughter in law, Rev J Craig and Rahdona Ashcraft, and her beloved granddaughter, Caleigh Morgan Ashcraft along with extended family and countless friends, and fellow believers whose lives were touched by her steady encouragement, quiet wisdom, and boundless care.  Craig would like to thank her roommate Vickie, her neighbors Phil Cheatham and Gary McVicker and dear friends, Rev Jorge & Ninfa Aguinaga for their endless attention and friendship. Blessings also to her faithful lady friends; Linda Aubrey, Georgia Hill, Becky McMurray, Gail Richards, and Barbara Patterson.

Her absence leaves an unfillable space, but her presence is deeply imprinted on the hearts of all who knew her. She ran her race with grace and perseverance, and we rejoice in knowing she now rests in the eternal arms of the Savior she served so faithfully.

A celebration of Carolyn's life will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 5701 7th Street Bay City, TX 77414. Her last three pastors, Reverends Kevin Blake, Jorge Aguinaga and Danny Johnson will lead the celebration. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Wade.