Memorial services for Rhea von Lehe Ashley were held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 11a.m. at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 1356 Amelia Street, Orangeburg, SC. Burial followed at Sunset Hill Cemetery, 500 Alta Vista Avenue, North Augusta, SC at 2:30PM. Mrs. Ashley was born on July 16, 1929, in Walterboro, SC, to Diedreich von Lehe and Rhea Williams. She attended Walterboro High School and graduated from Wesleyan College, Macon, Georgia with a degree in Art History. She received a Masters Degree from South Carolina State College in Special Education. Rhea was a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church where she served as a children’s Bible school teacher, member of the Day Care Board, Worship Committee and a member of the Dukes Harley Circle. Mrs. Ashley was a member of the South Carolina Historical Society, Colleton County Preservation and Historical Society, and Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Educators. She was a member of the Palmetto Teachers Association and served on the state board. Mrs. Ashley was a beloved third grade teacher for many years at North Augusta Elementary School and Hammond Hills Elementary School in North Augusta. After moving to Orangeburg, she continued to teach in the Orangeburg area. She loved animals, children, her home in Walterboro and Edisto Beach deeply. With her background in art history, Mrs. Ashley had a flair for decorating and a love of beautiful art, artifacts and history. Through the years she supported, with financial contributions, her church, Oliver Gospel Mission, South Carolina ETV, and Epworth Children’s Home. Mrs. Ashley was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Ashley, her sister Valeria Williams of Augusta, Georgia, her brother, Dr. Diedreich Peterman von Lehe of Goose Creek and her parents Mr. and Mrs. Diedreich Peterman von Lehe. Survivors include her daughter Phyllis Beasley and husband Jim Beasley of West Columbia, her son Joseph Ashley III and wife Cary Ashley of North Charleston, her sister-in-law Mrs. D. P. von Lehe of Goose Creek, granddaughters Caroline Beasley Andrews of West Columbia, Kathleen Ashley Stevens and husband Joel Stevens of North Charleston, and Sarah Rhea Ashley of Charlotte, great-grandchildren William Andrews and Etta and George Stevens, as well as nieces Ann Hill and Susan Williams of Augusta, Georgia and Ann’s sons David and Tripp Haywood. She leaves behind her beloved rescued German Shepherd Dog Mocha. Memorials may be made to Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Ave., Columbia, SC, 29205 or St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 1356 Amelia St., Orangeburg, SC 29115. Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta is in charge of arrangements (803) 278-1181. Visit the registry at www.poseycares.com
