Lois Ann Farmer Ashford, 79, died peacefully in her sleep on November 30, 2025. Born in Norton, Virginia, she was the youngest daughter of nine children of Ora Mae (Sturgill) and Frederick Farmer. Her father, a television repairman, died from complications of diabetes during her teenage years.  

After his passing, Lois moved with her widowed mother to Daytona Beach, Florida, to join her older sister Dorothy, and she graduated from Mainland High School. She worked as a waitress at the Clock Diner, where she met a handsome police officer, Gregory Ashford, who became the love of her life. They married in 1967 and had two children.  

The Ashford family relocated to St. Petersburg in 1979 when Greg left the police department. Lois enjoyed a long and successful career as a manager with Sears before beginning work as a teacher at First Steps Children’s Center alongside her daughter Beth. Being surrounded by children was her passion, matched only by her love of family and preparing generous Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts.  

She loved reading and learning, and her Kindle was among her most treasured possessions. Always ready for a laugh, she delighted in The Three Stooges (especially Curly, never Shemp), Bugs Bunny cartoons, classic comedies, Marx Brothers movies and especially My Cousin Vinnie.  

Lois is survived by her children, Jason Edward (and wife, Tina), grandson Ryan Edward Ashford of Centerville, Georgia, and Beth Ann Roncarti and grandson Jonathan of St. Petersburg, Florida.  

Arrangements are entrusted to Anderson McQueen. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital Online Donations - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.