Joan Elaine Dekle, a resident of Ashford, died Sunday, September 17, 2017 at her residence after a brave and courageous fight with cancer. She was 67.

Funeral services for Ms. Dekle will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, September 20, 2017 in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial cemetery.

Ms. Dekle was born August 12, 1950 to the late Malcolm and Merle Melissa Williams Aplin. She was raised in Ashford and worked for Wex-Tex and owned and operated Dekle Grocery in Pansey. Ms. Dekle was outgoing and kind and offered a hand to anyone in need. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be missed dearly.

Ms. Dekle is preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Raymond Jeremiah Gashaw and Robert Dekle and a brother, Mac Aplin.

Survivors include a son and daughter in law, Raymond Bradley and Julie Gashaw; daughter, Danielle Dekle; grandchildren, Dylan and Lolly Gashaw; special niece, Angel Smith and children; two sisters, Shirley Smith and Margaret Highsmith (Farris); numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

The family wishes to thank DaySpring Hospice and their nurses for the love and care of Ms. Dekle during this time.

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