The angels came for Mariann "Wickie" Taylor Ashcraft on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 with her sweetheart and dearest friend by her side. She was born in Bay City, Texas on June 13, 1957, the youngest daughter of Don Jean and Bobbye Ruth Smith Taylor. Her beautiful life centered upon her family and her faith.  To the ones who knew her best and loved her most, Wickie was the personification of righteousness, compassion and graciousness.  She is irreplaceable.

Wickie's gentle, inquisitive, and caring demeanor made for intriguing conversations, loyal friendship and servanthood to all. Her faith was her strength and beacon, as evident in the way she lived and treated others. Regal, genteel, chef extraordinaire, chocolate aficionado, bible scholar, black gospel music lover and Goodwill shopper of the year are but a few of the attributes of her well-lived life. She recounted joyful and funny stories of growing up in Bay City, family, traveling and cooking—from roadside picnics with the electric skillet in tow to cooking school vacations with her sisters and mom in her beloved Italy, and above all, was delighted to share her spirit-filled conversion and adventures with Craig.

Wickie is survived by her beloved husband of 39 years, Rev Craig Ashcraft; her sisters, Charlotte Miller and her husband Ronnie, and their children, Shannon, Jean and Clark; her sister Donna Sliva and her husband Steve, and their children Sam and Julia, six great nieces, whom she adored, Caitlin, Melody, Hanna, Violet, Scarlett and Caleigh and a host of Craig's family, her cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will begin at 12 Noon Monday, October 11, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM with Rev Ken Gurley officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Sam Sliva, John Ashcraft, Glenn B. Huebner, Rev. Danny Johnson, Rev. Duane Lowe and Rev. Mark Delmas.

Profound gratitude for the love and support of countless friends and family who have helped navigate the painful journey of her illness and treatment, in particular Sara Huebner.