Joseph Ashby

The Life of Joey Ashby

Joey Ashby was born in Des Moines, Iowa the 4th month 8th day 1961. Joe was educated via Des Moines Public Schools and Los Angeles California. Growing up he would share his L.A. Morningside Elementary School stories and friends would listen with excitement. Half of us believed him some not so much until years later we started watching movies like Boys N the Hood, and be like he tried to tell us. Joey Ashby met the love of his life Roxy Ward in Junior High, the month she graduated they reunited and fell in love for life. In 1979 they saw each other in the park and he won her over with his charm saying:

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

It wasn’t until recently Roxy found out that is a poem by famous poet Langston Hughes (Joey was good wasn't he) Joe and Roxy were life partners for 43 years and married 37 years.

In 1982 Joseph Allen Ashby II was born their only child. Lil Joe was his pride and joy their bond is unbreakable and father and son lived their lives unbothered. The legacy continues with 5 grandchildren: Aubrianna Arie. Nazalayia Quincy, J'Lyric LaPrince, Aurora Adore, Rhythm LeeRay.

Joe retired from Nuckolls Concrete Services as a Skilled Machine Operator. Joe went on to working for various Blacked Owned Businesses sharing his skills Joe was also the C.E.O. of Ashby's Curb Appeal (landscaping).
In the 70's and 80's Joe was considered one of thee best Hip-Hop Dancers in the Midwest often winning most dance contests. He loved to mention he made it to the Mary Brubaker show. He co-founded a drumming circle called "The Human Chain". Joe loved his gaming system and enjoyed playing with the same friends for years, he said they keep him going. The Merk Squad (Sir Merk) included 100's of people his favorites: SickwitiT, Destroyer, Swoosh, and Smoke. We the family thank y’all he stayed laughing.

In 2017 Joe was diagnosed with a lung disease that required a double lung transplant without life expectancy was 5 years. As Joey was preparing himself for the most important decision in his life, Corona Virus entered the world and our life so he postponed this milestone and fought for his life for his wife. He made it 5 years and two months so Baby you won now you can rest. He went on to give the gift of life via the Iowa Donor Network.
Joe is survived by wife Roxanne Ashby, son Joseph Allen Ashby II (Jerrica), Mother and step-fathers Rose and Virgil Bright and Robert Rushing. Siblings: Sonia (Lynn) Lewis, Marcus Broadus, Roshonda Rushing, Dee Hughes, Frank Fugate, Pecola Fugate. Siblings in Love: Michael Ward, Trena Ward-Carr, Juanita Jackson. God-Daughter: La-Shonna Welch.

Preceding him in death: Father: Frank Williams, Sisters: Yvette Rushing and Tonia Rushing Niece: Domonique Rushing Nephew: Lynn Lewis IV Maternal Grandparents: Ann and Allen Ashby

Per Wifey: No services are planned.

Joe lived to love his entire family. We the family would like to thank Dr. Bradley Wilcox and all the I.C.U. nurses at Mercy One. Thanks everyone for your love and support.

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