Wilma New Ashcraft's Obituary
Wilma New Ashcraft, 92, of Mableton, Georgia passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025. Wilma was born in Fort Payne, Alabama in 1932. She moved to Atlanta and graduated from West Fulton High School. Wilma met John T Ashcraft and they married and settled in Grove Park in 1950. In 1961, they moved their family to Mableton, Georgia, and lived there for the next 60 years.
She was the daughter of the late Ruby and Orby New. Wilma, the oldest, was one of 5 children. She was preceded in death by 4 of her siblings; Joyce Turner, Mary Lou Holland, Earnie New, and Vernon New.
Wilma and John T had 3 children; Melinda Ann Ashcraft, Anthony John (Tony) Ashcraft (Mary) and James Alan Ashcraft (Christy). Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, John T Ashcraft in December,1986.
Wilma was Grandmother to Amy Ashcraft Black (Reggie), Erin Ashcraft Thaxton (Nathan), Anthony John Ashcraft, Jr. (Brittney), Sydney Ashcraft and Victoria Ashcraft. She was also Great-Grandmother to Abigail, Jeremiah, Bethany, Josiah, Hannah, Hope, Michaiah, and Ireland, whom she loved dearly.
As well, she had many beloved nieces and nephews that she enjoyed and loved very much.
She always had a career in various businesses in her early years, but she landed the job of her life when she was the Executive Assistant to the General Manager at Six Flags Over Georgia in May of 1967 and assisted with the Grand Opening of the park on June 16, 1967. She worked there for 30 years and after retiring she joined Mother’s Finest Catering with her sons, James and Tony and they operated the business for over 37 years until it sold in 2023. There are probably not many people in Mableton and the surrounding areas that have not enjoyed the delicious catered meals, weddings, amazing cakes and desserts. She also published a Mother’s Finest Cookbook in 2002, which highlighted her well known and cherished recipes.
Along with being a successful businesswoman, she was always involved in school, community, and business organizations throughout her life. Most notably she was the President of the PTA in Cobb County schools for many years. Wilma was the President of Executive Women International of Atlanta, being recognized at their annual conference in Hawaii for her exemplary leadership as President.
Wilma was a member and faithful Christian at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church for over 60 years, attending regularly and involved in volunteering in the Nursery, Awana’s, Women’s Ministry, and enjoyed being a longtime member of the Loving Sunshine Sunday School Class.
One of her biggest legacies was the love of her family. Family was everything to her. She was always there for all of us; giving of herself, providing support, attending events and always making sure we had anything that we needed. All of her meals were made with love. She made sure to make everyone’s favorite food, which led to a feast anytime she cooked for her family or friends.
Our mom was a mentor, leader, a positive force and an amazing mother. Her smile was beautiful and lit up the room. She had many lifelong friends that she cherished and enjoyed traveling the world with. She never saw an obstacle to any task and continued to thrive on setting the example for all of us even when she entered the toughest hurdle of her life with Dementia.
Wilma’s Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church at
2:00 p.m. with visitation prior from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Interment will follow the service at Mt. Harmony Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to the Mt. Harmony Baptist Church at https://mtharmony.org to the General Offering.
The family would like to thank the management and staff at Arbor Terrace of Burnt Hickory and Agape Hospice Care for the love and wonderful care that they provided for our mom. We are all so thankful for everything that each person did to take care of our mom in the best, loving way possible way.
For anyone wishing to view the service virtually, a livestream link will be available on Mt. Harmony Baptist Church's Facebook page at the above-listed service time at https://www.facebook.com/MtHarmonyBC
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