Louella (McKinney) Ashford

Louella McKinney Ashford was born in Steele, Missouri on September 28, 1930. She was the daughter of Leo and Myrtle (West) McKinney.  Louella departed this life at her home on July 31, 2025, in Caruthersville, Missouri.  She was 94 years old.

Louella attended elementary school until the fifth grade.  Not long after, she mourned the loss of her mother, leaving her father, herself and her older siblings to tend to the family.  Louella eventually dropped out of elementary school and began working in the cotton fields. Later in life, Louella received her GED and was taught classes under the direction of the late Mayor, Diane Sayre. Louella began working in several capacities.  She was employed as a Dietician at the Nursing Home in Caruthersville, Missouri, and at the Pemiscot County Memorial Hospital in Hayti, Missouri. She also worked at the Box Factory, known as the Mill, and the Brown Shoe Factory in Caruthersville, Missouri. Louella enjoyed providing her services as a domestic worker and building strong relationships with multiple families throughout the community.  Louella took much pleasure in preparing meals for the Caruthersville Missouri Lion’s Club of which she was very well known for cooking her famous fried chicken but her family were her biggest fans when it came to her delicious homemade recipes; from her homemade pies, cakes and homemade ice cream, to her freshly made collard/mustard greens, white beans and cornbread.

Louella was incredibly resilient and possessed remarkable strength.  She never let adversity define her; instead, she used it as a fuel to grow.  She was a true force of nature.  Whatever Louella wanted, she got.

Louella was 13 years old when she was saved and baptized into the Spirit of our Lord, Jesus Christ. After hearing God’s calling, Louella became a faithful servant of God and became a member of the Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church and  began participating in the church ministry as an Usher for over 30 years. She was the President of the Usher Board and served as a member of the Mother’s Board. As a member of the St.Paul Missionary Baptist Church, she was in the Gospel Choir, Secretary and Superintendent of Sunday School.  At the age of 77, Louella heard God’s calling to serve as a Minister.  During this time, she began sharing the love of Christ and providing spiritual support to members of St. Paul and individuals within the Correctional System. She found this to be such a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Louella met her life-long soulmate, Tay C. Ashford, Sr., and they were joined in matrimony on May 25, 1950. Tay went to be with the Lord on April 24, 2006.  Louella was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers; Marvin, Walter, Albert and Leo, a sister, Veryce, and an infant grandson (Carlos). She leaves to cherish her memories; a very special sister, Katie Smith of Nashville, Tennessee, three daughters; Carolyn Johnson of Blytheville, Arkansas, Delores Huling of Cedar Hill, Texas, Judy Jacob (John) of Dallas, Texas, one son, Tay Ashford, Jr. (Diana) of Oklahoma City, OK, 17 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

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