Rebecca Ashford

Rebecca Wilbom Ashford was born on April 9. 1940 in Opelika, Alabama to Daniel Webster and Narcissus Darby Wilbom (proceeded in death). She was the youngest of twelve (12), children. Rebecca had seven (7) brothers; Daniel, James, John (Ed), Lindsey, Wiltie, Lee James, and a twin brother Issac Wilbom. She also had three (3) sisters; Beauty Mae Tolbert, Areatha Matthews Brown, and Mary Lillie Tolbert. All Proceeding in Death.

Rebecca was educated in the Lee County School District, in Alabama. Where she graduated from Sanford High School in 1959. Shortly after graduation, Rebecca relocated to Cleveland Ohio working as a Housekeeper. Rebecca accepted Christ at an early age at The Bethel #2 Missionary Baptist Church in Opelika Alabama, under The Leadership of Edmond Burrell Wilborn. her Grandfather. She continued her Christian journey by attending The Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Cleveland Ohio where she met and married Hosea Lock Sr. (Proceeded in Death). From this union she had three (3) children; Deborah Lock, Hortencia Lock, and Hosea Lock Jr. Rebecca and Hosea Sr. joined The Burning Bush Baptist Church under The Leadership Of Reverend Lee James Jones. Where she served as a member of the Senior Choir, Deaconess, and President of The Youth Choir. Several years later Rebecca and Hosea Divorced.

Rebecca went back to school receiving an Associate Degree in Environmental and Hospitality Services. She later met and married Malcolm Ashford Jr. (Proceeded in Death). She worked at Lakeside Hospital, in Environmental Services. She continued her education as a Nursing Assistant where she worked at several Nursing Facilities and as a Private Caregiver.

Rebecca and Malcom agreed to take in two (2) young ladies to raise as their own; Usa McCall and Jeanette Walker Eddings (Proceeded in Death). Rebecca and Malcolm Ashford joined The Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Leon Lawrence. Under Pastor Lawrence's leadership, Rebecca was a member of the creation choir  and served as a Deaconess. Later she became The Head Mother of Greater Faith, holding the position until her demise. Later Rebecca and Malcolm adopted Four (4), children; Denise Ashford, Demario Ashford Torrence Ashford, and Cashay Ashford. Rebecca has been a Spiritual advocate for the youth in the community introducing them to Christ and filling up her van with as many children as she could fit, bringing them to church and taking them to various activities.

In March of 2023, Rebecca was admitted to rehabilitation. Several months later Rebecca took a turn for the worse. She peacefully transitioned home on March 19. 2024 at The David Simpson Hospice of The Western Reserve. The Life Of Rebecca lives on in the hearts and memories of her children; Deborah Long (Douglas), Hortencia Plummer (William), and Hosea Lock Jr. (Earvetta), Denise Ashford, Dernario Ashford. Torrence Ashford, Cashay Ashford. Nineteen (19) grandchildren, thirty-nine (39) great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of relatives and friends.

A public viewing will be held on April 5, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the House of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH, 44105. The Celebration of Life will be April 6, 2024, 9:30 AM Wake and 10:00 AM Service at the Greater Faith Baptist Church, 13816 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH. Interment will immediately follow at Cleveland Memorial Gardens, 4324 Green Rd, Cleveland, OH.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Mrs Rebecca's Tribute Wall.