We celebrate the life and memory of Mr. Ashton Levar Gibbs whose death occurred on Sunday, May 08, 2022.

Ashton Larnell Gibbs, affectionally known as Ashman, was born on Friday, February 16, 1990, to the late Elder Andre Leon Gibbs and Stephanie Kyla Gibbs at Candler Hospital, Savannah, GA. Ashton was the youngest of five sons and one daughter.

Since Ashman was a baby, it was known that he would be that child! He had several facets about him that caused people to love him. Ash was loving, personable, funny, busy, bad, cocky, daring, sweet, resourceful, to name a few characteristics; and he displayed any one of these or all of them, at any given time consistently throughout his life. He would mess you up! You tried to be mad at him but then you let him in when you looked into those big brown adorable eyes.

Ashton attended Chatham C ounty Schools – Pulaski Elementary, DeRenne Middle and Beach High Schools. It was known at an early age how Ashton would affect others. After all, h ow could the principal of his elementary school know who Ashton was beginning in pre-k. From pre-k through 3 rd grade, Ashton was known for being so funny; children would gather around him on the playground as he told jokes and made animal sounds. And, then in other instances, students and teachers knew when his father was in the building checking on Ashton because of a distinctive cough. Children would say, "Ashton! Here comes your father," and Ashton would somehow change his composure quickly and acted as if he didn't know why his father was there! His dad was invited many times by the principal to take Ashton into his office to discuss his actions. Yeah right!!! He learned in 4 th grade that his teach er didn't think he was that funny , so he had to buckle down! Ashton excelled much in his favorite subject of Math ; however, he was encouraged many, many times that the other classes counted too! It's fitting to say that he made it through his studies to receive his high school diploma on time and graduated in June 2008 .

Ashton had many on the job-training in areas of maintenance, auto repairs, lawn care, etc. Jobs that excited him were as a telecom communication tower climbing tech, which provided services in several surrounding areas where he climbed several thousand feet. He was also a daredevil, so he loved being on "top of the world," as shown in plenty posting on social media. H i s most recent employment was with Ultimate Pest Control. He loved the staff as they were like family. He often talked about the fumigation , quarantines and disinfections and his opportunity to move up in the company. At the end of the day, his clothes showed how much and how hard he worked. He was preparing to take an important exam that would allow him to have a crew working with him, along with other employment advantages.

When Ashton was born, his family attended Lewis Pentecostal Temple . He then grew up in Pentecostal Miracle Deliverance Center . Between home, church and family visits, A shton's talent in music grew and afforded him the privilege and opportunity to play the drums a t many churches with the most recent being at historical Second Ebenezer Missionary Baptist C hurch .

Ashton had a great passion for DRUMS ever since he was a baby, playing behind his brother Steffan, who had a drum set. He was never afraid to ask ushers, where was the drummer and organist at any church we visited. The organist would let him play and if there was a drummer, Ash ton asked to play when he needed a break. He was so passionate . Ashton's uncle, Jermaine Parrish was the greatest "drummer" influence in his life. Since Ashton was three years old, he and his brother, Steffan spent ever y summer vacation ing in New York , with grandmothers Mother Pearl Scott and family, Mother Barbara Parrish and family; cousins, the Figueroa family, and his aunt Brenda Parrish Whitaker who claimed Ashton as her baby to this very day . These wonderful summers changed for the parents when Ashton decided he wanted to play in the band and started summer band camp at Beach High. A fter the summers, he would so happily return to church to show the "big drummers" what new moves he learned. Ash played in the Beach High School band, where he was affectionally called Dr. Lee. He looked just like the actor, Orlando Jones from Drumline, with the haircut, glasses , and all! He also played in the Savannah State University band, although he didn't attend the school, we wondered what magic he used for this access, but it was simply his love and talent. Ashton also had the privilege of playing the drums in other platforms and he loved to support his musician friends as they performed at various venues. Other passions included dogs, sport cars and his family.

Like all of us, Ashton had obstacles that tested him and his faith. He eventually grasped hold of life and focused on what he loved. He also knew that his help and strength came from God! His maturity was evident! He was coming into his own with excitement on the next things that were lining up for him. But now ….

It was unfortunate, devastating and unconceivable how quickly Ashton was taken from us. The act was pure evil and unremorseful. We can only keep his memory alive, love, pray and be that village that his children will need as they face life challenges. And, in this event, It has been evident that Ashton was loved by so many people and meant more to them than what we knew . In remembering him, be a voice and act against gun violence.

Left to cherish Ashton's memories are : fiancée, Tanisha Rhym ; daughters , London, Kamari, Skyla; mother, Stephanie Gibbs; brothers, Steffan Gibbs ( Nikira ), Andre Gibbs Jr, Julian Gibbs, Daniel Gibbs; sister, Andrea Gibbs; great aunts, Wilma Ferebee and Annette Akins; great uncles, Billy Kelly, William Kelly (Yvette), Robert Kelly; aunts, Brenda Whitaker (Freddy), Mercedes Malone (Mike), Monique Parrish, Patricia Parrish (Joseph) , Donique Parrish ( Patrick), LaKeisha Parrish (Charlie), Tara Browne (Shawn), Carmen Parrish, Robin Dean ; uncles, Jermaine Parrish, Ronald Gibbs , Archbishop Eric Figueroa (Doreen) ; nephews, Chayce Gibbs, Andre Campbell, Cordell Campbell, Simeon Gibbs, Kevin Gibbs; nieces, Kaylani Moreno, Danielle Smith; godmothers, Lydia Freeman, Dr. Angela Moses; god siblings , Janee ' Moses, Jalea Moses, Nicole Perry, Kyra Williams, Herman Bias, Jonathan Perry , Jawanna Jordan; a great host of cousin s , other relatives, friends and church family.

On April 12, 2022, Ashton posted on Facebook

"Pain is temporary… it may last for a minute or an hour or day or even a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place… If I quit, it will last forever… Y'all don't f ee l my pain… At the end of pain is success… #ambitious

A friend responded, "thank you for the reminder, Ashton. I'm going through some hurt myself at this time. When I read this, I thought, hmmm! God, thank you for using Ashton to proclaim a truth just at the very moment I needed it. Prayers for you Ashton . Thank you."

Lovingly submitted by,

Ashton's Mom and Brother Steffan

Public viewing will be held 5-8 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2022 at Campbell and Sons Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2022 at Jesus First The Community Church, 2202 US-80 W. Garden City, GA 31408.

Interment~ Woodville Cemetery

Please sign our guestbook at www.campbellandsonsfuneralhome.com