Daisy Vernita Ashby
May 16, 1923 - May 16, 2017

Daisy Vernita Cobb Ashby was born on May 16, 1923, in Memphis, Tennessee to Beatrice and Richard H. Cobb. She was the seventh of thirteen children and preceded in death by her husband Harold Louis Ashby, six sisters, and four brothers; and her youngest son Kevin.
Daisys father was one of the founders of the Church of God in Christ. When he was named Bishop, he moved his family from Memphis to Inkster, Michigan, and later Detroit. Daisy graduated high school with honors and attended Lewis Business College in Detroit where she earned a bachelors degree, MBA and became Certified Public Accountant. She served as her fathers personal secretary for years during his ministry.
In 1946, Daisy met Harold Louis Ashby, a young Army WWII veteran from Burlington, Iowa who was visiting friends and family in Detroit. Harold and Daisy were married on January 17, 1947, and blessed with twins, Gerald Brooks and Geraldine Lucille (Geri). Within a year, they moved their family to Burlington, where they were blessed with two more children: Lynda Diann, and Kevin Cobb.
While living in Burlington, Daisy and Harold became active in the NAACP. Harold was named president of the Iowa Chapter and Daisy often organized and hosted events and activities. Daisy and Harold hosted the NAACP Annual Convention in Burlington and received the Spingarn Award Medal for distinguished merit and highest achievement of Honor. Harold became the first African American hired on the US postal railway.
One of the most active members and a loyal supporter of the Burlington NAACP was Dorothy Schram. Mrs. Schrams family owned the largest department store in Burlington and Dorothy became friends with Daisy. When she heard that Daisy was looking for a job, Dorothy gave her a recommendation and Daisy was hired immediately. That was the beginning of Daisys 25-year career in retail, working in various positions in financial administration.
After Daisys husband Harold was ordained in the ministry to serve the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, they moved their family to Wilberforce, Ohio, where Harold attended Wilberforce University, earned his bachelors degree in English, a masters degree in Journalism, and a Doctorate in theology. The family served the following churches:
Greater Allen A.M.E. Church, Dayton, Ohio
Trinity A.M.E. Church, Springfield, Ohio
Bethel A.M.E. Church, Oxford, Ohio
Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, Hamilton, Ohio
St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Akron, CA
Throughout the years, Daisy was widely acknowledged as a leader in numerous organizations including The National Council of Negro Women, The Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, and the UDW Homecare Providers Union Advisory Council.

Daisy was a woman of faith. She loved God and was honored to serve Him. He called her home on May 16, 2017, her 93th birthday. She passed peacefully at home with her son Brooks at her side; and leaves to cherish precious memories her brother Bryce Cobb Sr. (Charlene), her sister Gloria Gregory (Lewis), children, Gerald Brooks Ashby, Geri Ashby, Lynda Ashby Ludy (Perry) grandchildren Angela Ashby, Aaron Ashby, Lisa Ashby, Kishia Ashby, Dwayne Bradshaw; and five great-grandchildren

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