Ashlie Barrett; Obituary, Death: It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ashley Sheree Barnett, who was called to eternal rest. Ashley was born on January 22, 1987, at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland, to Rita Dennis and Stacey A. Barnett. Her sudden departure has left an indescribable void in the lives of her family, friends, and the community she touched so profoundly. Ashley’s vibrant spirit, her boundless energy, and her passion for life will be remembered by all who knew her.
Ashley was raised in Dunkirk, Maryland, where she attended Traceys Elementary School, Southern Middle School, and Southern Senior High School, from which she graduated in June 2005. During her time in school, Ashley was known for her enthusiasm and her competitive nature, which were reflected in her success in sports. She was a standout basketball and softball player, and her love for sports continued well into adulthood.
Her athletic abilities were matched by her love of life, her strong work ethic, and her deep connection to her family and friends. Ashley’s love for sports was a defining part of who she was. From her childhood through adulthood, she was a true sports enthusiast. At Southern Senior High, she made a name for herself as a star on the basketball and softball teams.
Her talent and determination on the field were just a few of the qualities that made her such a force to be reckoned with. Her spirit for competition didn’t stop at school; Ashley continued to play in various leagues and teams throughout her life. She played softball on family teams, including Spriggs Construction and Madison Concrete, as well as with local teams like Green Turtle and Brit and Bree.
She was a fixture in the Church League with Ward’s-Carters United Methodist Church and the Church of the Harvest teams, and she even participated in kickball games with Calvert County Parks & Recreation as part of the Concrete Balls team. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Ashley was a passionate supporter of her favorite sports teams. Above all, she was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, an identity that endeared her to everyone who shared her love for the game.
Whether on the field or from the sidelines, Ashley was always there, cheering on her teams with enthusiasm and pride. Her love of sports was more than just a hobby; it was a reflection of her drive, her dedication, and her joy in life. Another of Ashley’s great passions was cars. She was a self-taught mechanic, using Google as her tool for learning how to fix and maintain vehicles.
Ashley’s love for cars was more than just an interest; it was a way of life for her. Over her lifetime, she owned and worked on over 30 cars. Not only did she work on her own vehicles, but she also helped her family and friends maintain and repair their cars. Her mechanical expertise, learned through sheer determination and her passion for cars, was something that made Ashley stand out.
She loved the challenge of fixing what others might have considered unfixable and always took great pride in her work. Her ability to solve problems and tackle any mechanical task with confidence was a testament to her intelligence and resourcefulness. Ashley was also deeply involved in her faith community. She was a lifelong member of Peter’s United Methodist Church in Dunkirk, Maryland, where she actively participated in church activities from a young age. She served as an acolyte and was a member of the Youth Choir.
Ashley’s voice was one that brought joy to many, and she was known for her solo performances in church. From a very young age, she was a soloist, singing songs that were particularly meaningful to her, including “Somebody Prayed For Me” and “J-E-S-U-S,” songs that held a special place in her heart, especially for her grandmother, Genny. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was always willing to help others, demonstrating her caring and compassionate nature.
Whether it was through her service in church, her involvement in community activities, or her kindness to others, Ashley’s faith was evident in everything she did. She was a woman who believed in the power of love, prayer, and service to others, and she lived her life with the belief that she could make the world a better place, one kind act at a time. Ashley’s life was filled with love, laughter, and cherished relationships.
She is survived by her parents, Rita Dennis and Stacey A. Barnett; her grandparents, Roland Hawkins, Genevieve Spriggs, Annabelle & Charles Contee, and James Riggs; her sisters, Rolanda Jones and Deja Barnett; her brothers, Stacey Turner, Marcus, and Malik Barnett; her nieces, Kamryn and Taylor Turner; her nephew, Marcus Barnett Jr.; her godson, Jakai Levi Coley; and Jesiah Andrew Barnett, her son in heart.
She also leaves behind five uncles: Purnell Spriggs, Charles Jr., Wayne and Corey Contee, and Gilmore Franklin, as well as a host of great-aunts, great-great-aunts, cousins, and extended family members. Ashley’s special cousins—Lakia Parker, Larry Spriggs Jr., Marvin Coates Jr., and John Jacks III—were like siblings to her, and her bond with them was something she cherished deeply. Additionally, her devoted friend Doniqua Barrett (“NeNe”) was a constant presence in Ashley’s life, offering support, laughter, and love during both the joyful and difficult moments.
Ashley Sheree Barnett’s impact on those around her was immeasurable. Whether it was through her athletic achievements, her mechanical prowess, her faith, or her unconditional love for her family and friends, Ashley left a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. She taught those who knew her the true meaning of resilience, determination, and kindness.
Her laughter, her infectious smile, and her boundless energy will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. However, the memories she leaves behind will forever be cherished, and her spirit will continue to inspire everyone who was touched by her.
Ashley’s family takes comfort in knowing that she lived her life with purpose, making an impact wherever she went. She will always be remembered as a woman who embraced life fully, loved deeply, and cared for others without reservation. Her memory will live on in the stories we tell, the lessons we’ve learned, and the love we continue to share.
A memorial service to honor Ashley’s life will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at Peter’s United Methodist Church in Dunkirk, Maryland, where she spent so much of her life worshipping, serving, and sharing her talents. Friends, family, and loved ones are invited to join together to celebrate Ashley’s life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ashley’s memory to local youth sports organizations or to the church, causes that were dear to her heart. You will be deeply missed, but your love, light, and legacy will live on forever in our hearts. Thank you for the joy you brought to our lives. Rest in peace, Ashley.
