Mary Katherine Ashby

Mary Katherine Ashby, 79, of Decatur, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Visitation will be held on January 30, 2026 from 10 am to 12 pm at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur, with funeral services to follow at 12 pm. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Decatur. Memorials in Mary’s honor may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Mary was born on July 16, 1946, in Altamont, Illinois, the daughter of Cecil and Rose (Wheat) Aldridge. On February 4, 1967, she married James Ashby Jr. in Decatur, beginning a life devoted to faith, family, and service to others.

Mary was the owner and operator of M&J Carriers in Decatur. She was a faithful and active member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she loved her church family and served the Lord with a willing heart. She also served for many years as secretary of the Ashby-Phipps Baseball League. Mary found joy in life’s simple blessings, especially baking cakes, working jigsaw puzzles, and sewing for those she loved.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory her two sons, James “Jim” Ashby III (Tammy) of Forsyth and Jeff Ashby (Melissa) of Mt. Zion; six grandchildren, James E. “Blake” Ashby IV (Anna) of Forsyth, Alysa Rae Gutierrez-Ashby (Efren) of Dallas, GA, Kathryn “Kate” Ashby, Allen James “A.J.” Ashby, both of Mt. Zion, Peyton Michelle Creek (Preston) of Mt. Pulaski, and Wesley Ashby of Decatur; several great-grandchildren; her sister, Debra Rose Aldridge of Decatur; and her brother, Cecil Aldridge of Harristown.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, James Ashby Jr.; her son, Joseph Ashby; her sister, Joyce DeClercq; and her brothers, Bennie Aldridge and Bob Aldridge.

Mary’s family rejoices in the promise of eternal life and finds comfort knowing she is now resting in the presence of her Savior.