Ashton Taylor Blackburn, age 20, went to be with her heavenly Father on Nov. 23, 2007. Ashton courageously battled cancer for five years. She was an active member of Gardendale First Baptist Church, attended the University of North Alabama and was a member of ZETA TAU ALPHA Sorority. Ashton is survived by her father, Ferrell William (Bill) Blackburn, Warrior; mother, Jacqueline Blackburn, Gardendale, very special mom, Janie Sims, Jasper, grandmothers, Mavis Adams, Kimberly and Martha Blackburn, warrior; brothers, Will Blackburn, Warrior, Nick Dyer and Caleb Dyer, Gardendale, niece, Hali Blackburn, Warrior; aunt, Dena Drain Parker, Warrior, cousin, Taylor Parker, Warrior and numerous other relatives. Ashton leaves a true saint, Ms. Charlotte Akin, Gardendale, who was with her during her entire illness; other special friends, Dr. and Ms. Lawrence Nelson, University of North Alabama; Rebecca Mosley, a special childhood friend; other very special friends, Claire Brown, Emily Burford, Haley McGrady, Samantha Smith, Mary King, Rachel Gravlee, Brittany Sparks, Amanda Terry, Autumn Buie her big sister and all her beloved Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority sisters. Special appreciation goes to the many friends and family members who cared for Ashton with prayers, cards, gifts and visits during her illness. Special thanks to Dr. Steven Howell, UAB and Dr. Daniel Merielman and staff at Brookwood Hospital for their care and kindness. Thanks goes to Kirklin Clinic Action Road staff and Odyssey Health Care. Ashton will be cherished forever by her family and all who knew her. Pallbearers will be Taylor Adams, Matt Sims, Steven Sims, Kyle Rhodes, Ryan Russell, Michael Wehby, Josh Kilgore and Marcus Chambers. Pastor Kevin Hamm; Associate Pastor Mark Harrison, Gardendale First Baptist and Rev. Lane Sargent; retired pastor, Sumiton Church of God will officiate. Funeral services were held at Gardendale First Baptist Church with burial at Oakwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sumiton Christian High School, P.O. Box 40, Sumiton, AL 35148 and/or UAB Cancer Research, 1826 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294 designated for Sarcoma research. Morgan’s @ Gardendale, 2214 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071, (205) 631–8810