Obituaries

Va. Beach-Jasper Tyrone Ashby was born September 2, 1953, in Princess Anne County.

Jasper attended Virginia Beach public schools and graduated from Kempsville High School in 1974. Upon graduation, Jasper volunteered at Kempsville Rescue and Fire Department.

He would walk down to the fire station in the morning and stay until sundown to observe the fireman. He eventually was hired by the Virginia Beach Fire Department which was his childhood dream job.

On his days off Jasper volunteered at Kempsville volunteer rescue squad as a Shock Trauma Technician. Jasper mentored children who grew up to be firemen. He was once reminded by a 22-year-old fireman that he would put him in the firetruck and leave him to play when he was 5 years old. Jasper made up his mind it was time to retire. He retired as a master firefighter after 31 years of service.

He became a member of Faith Deliverance Christian Center in 1999 under the leadership of Bishop Barbara Amos, where he served on the security ministry.

Jasper was preceded in death by his mother, Elsie Mae Ashby; his nephews: Michael and Christopher; as well as several aunts and uncles. He leaves cherished memories with his father, Clifton R. McCoy; his sister, Tammy Brown (Moses); his brother, Marvin Ashby (Vanessa); his Aunt Earlean Wilkins; godchildren: Lauren and Amber; niece, Vanetta; nephews: Tayshawn, Isaiah, Xavier, Nasir and Jimmy; and a host of relatives and friends. Lastly, his good friend, Frank Lilley Jr.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Saturday; January 6, 2023 at New Light Full Gospel Baptist Church; 5549 Indian River Road; Va. Beach, VA. Burial with Fire Department Honors will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park; Chesapeake, VA. Viewing will be 4-6pm Friday at Fitchett-Mann Funeral Services; 1146 Rodgers St.; Chesapeake, VA 23324.

Link to Livestream: https://v2.forever.link/fitchettmann/jasper-tyrone-ashby