Calvin Eugene Ashby

Reverend Calvin Eugene Ashby Jr. was born February 27,1952 at Harlem Hospital in New York, New York to the late Calvin and Glory Ashby. His blonde colored hair as a child earned him the nickname “Sandy”. He was the second oldest of seven children. He took on the role of guardian and protector of his big sister Sicily Smith, younger siblings Gloria Ashby Sutherland, Gail Ashby Bryant, Michael Ashby, Dennis “Jamie” Ashby and his baby sister the late Cassandra Ashby Boyd. From an early age Calvin was family oriented, he spent much of his time with his uncles, aunts and cousins. He was a true “Harlemite” who gained a mastery of coolness in style and manner while growing up on 133rd street. His friends were his “crew” and the basketball court was their domain. Calvin was talented athlete; he loved the game of basketball and baseball. St. Phillips Church and Community Center was a major part of his early life, it was like a second home to him and many of the neighborhood youth. Calvin met the love of his life in elementary school. Calvin knew that Ella “Peggy” Coley Ashby would be his wife from the first moment he saw her, this love lasted for 54 years. They married in 1975 and raised their family in the Bronx, New York. His children Felicia, Calvin III and Sherri were the center of his joy. His greatest accomplishment in life was being a husband, father and grandfather. His grandchildren Kevin, Daisha, Tyeesha, Calee and Calvin IV held the keys to his heart. He also extended his love for family in his role as father-in-law to Kevin Deas and Tais Ashby; son-in-law to the late Geraldine Foster; brother-in-law to the late Jacqueline Lyons, Carl Smith, Geraldine Smith, Larry Foster Jr., Yvonne Wilson, Darryl Bryant, April Ashby and Dennis Boyd. He loved and was beloved by a host of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He worked school safety for the Department of Education and for Plus One Fitness in Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. In 1998 he took on the greatest occupation when he accepted Gods call to ministry. Calvin graduated from Charles Edward Hughes high school and later went for college courses at the College of New Rochelle where he maintained a 4.0 average. He graduated from Manhattan Bible Institute and was ordained Pastor of Mercy Seat Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York in 2002. He often said the best decision he made in life was his acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and savior. He had a deep love for the Lord and a high respect for the things of God. He was a pastor who was dedicated to serving people and bringing souls to Christ. He ministered at Mercy Seat Baptist Church along with is wife and daughter Sherri until 2011. Reverend Calvin Eugene Ashby Jr. was many things to many people. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, pastor, friend, mentor, counselor, little league coach and list goes on. He will always be remembered for his dedication to family, hilarious sense of humor, great wisdom, love of sports, love of music and mostly love of God. He will forever be cherished in our hearts and memory. The family will hold a visitation on Saturday February 4, 2017 from 1:00 to 1:45 PM with a Funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM at Parkwood Baptist Church, 1731 Hunter Hill Road Rocky Mount. Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home Cremation Services, 661 English Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com. Visitation Parkwood Baptist Church 1731 Hunter Hill Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Saturday 2/4, 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm Service Parkwood Baptist Church 1731 Hunter Hill Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Saturday 2/4, 2:00 pm