John R. Ashburn

John R. Ashburn, 86, son of the late Clarence and Inell Bostic Ashburn, passed away on Feb. 17, 2016 in Consulate Health Care of Norfolk. He was educated in Nansemond County Public Schools. John retired from Norfolk Naval shipyard after 30 years of service. He was a longtime member of Morning Star Baptist Church, Windsor, Va., and a member of Greater Suffolk, St. Luke's Lodge No. 279 I.B.P.O.E. of W., Franklin, Va.

John was preceded in death by two brothers, Louis Clarence "Duke" Ashburn and Cleophus Ashburn.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 59 years, Virginia Ashburn; his son Howard L. Goode Jr.(Jacqueline); brother Haywood Ashburn(Betty); five sisters-in-law, Clarice Ashburn, Helen Ashburn, Rhonda Lambert(Romeo), Michele Faulk, and Sharon Daughtrey; three grandchildren, Dukesha Goode, Tia O. Goode, Howard L. Goode(Nicole);two great-grandchildren Joyia and Travis Whitney and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including a special friend, Randolph Boling.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016 from 4 to 7pm in Shivers Funeral Chapel, 12749 Courthouse Highway, Smithfield. The Celebration of Life Service will be held 12 noon on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016 in Shivers Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial and Cremation Gardens. The family will meet at the residence by 11am Wednesday to process to the service.

Burial Date February 24, 2016

A Celebration of Life service will be held 12pm Wednesday February 24, 2016 at the chapel by Rev. J.J. Ferguson. Public viewing will be held Tuesday February 23, 2016 from 4-7pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel, Smithfield, VA.