Ashley ended every interaction with her family with "I love you." She made a point- she went out of her
way to make sure that she got that simple phrase in before she said goodbye, "I love you." Those who
were close to her are certain that "I love you" is the message that best encapsulates her contribution to
others. Her relationships were extraordinarily deep, personal and meaningful to her and she always
made sure that she said that simple but profound phrase before ending any interaction with those that
she loved, and she loved many.

Relationships were central to Ashley, they were important to her, she especially treasured long-term
relationships with her friends and Ashley was known to all as a friendly, outgoing and caring person.
Ashley was someone who anyone could talk to about anything; she would listen, she had the unique
ability to feel the emotions of others, she was quick to laugh and quick to cry…she was real. She loved
quirky humor, was quick to share funny stories, memes or whatever she ran across and it's safe to say
that she believed that inappropriate humor is underrated.

Ashley Elizabeth Martin was born on March 28, 1972 to her parents Bob and Joan Martin (Kluttz) in
Dallas, Texas. Ashley had a brother, Kevin and a stepsister, Sarah Parr and while they both moved away
pursuing their own dreams, Ashley called Cypress, Texas and later Houston home for the majority of her
life. Many of her friends, relationships that continued throughout her life were made at a young age in
Cypress and she never forgot and was thrilled to find and reconnect with childhood friends. Ashley
graduated from Cy-Fair High School and attended college at Henderson State University. Early in her
adult life Ashley worked a nurse, probably a decision influenced after moving in with and caring for her
ailing grandparents in Dallas when they needed it most. She leaves behind an extraordinarily intelligent,
driven and talented daughter, Zoe Smith; Ashley never missed an opportunity to brag on Zoe's latest
accomplishment. Because Ashley truly valued relationships, she was thrilled in recent years to make
contact with Jennifer, another biological daughter that Ashley reluctantly but with love and thoughtful
consideration placed for adoption at a young age. Ashley wisely knew that she was not ready to be a
mother and she selflessly made certain that Jennifer was placed with a loving, caring and wonderful
family who were prepared to provide her with what Ashley could not at such a young age. Finding,
corresponding with and getting to know Jennifer via a long-distance relationship was something that was
an important moment in Ashley's life, it seemed to answer many questions, filled a hole in her heart and
was something that she was very proud of. Ashley leaves behind many friends, extended family and her
ex-husband and best friend, Kenny Smith who was involved in Ashley's life in innumerable and
thoughtful ways- Kenny was always there for her and she knew and loved him for this. Ashley passed
away at her home on December 1, 2021.

Ashley will be remembered for her kindness, her caring nature and her deeply felt appreciation and love
for her friends and family. She was quick to laugh, she loved a good joke and her sense of humor was a
manifestation of her desire to connect with others and to help to make their day a little bit brighter.
Those who knew Ashley had a glimpse of and will remember what unconditional love looks like, feels like
and perhaps this was her most meaningful gift to all of us.

Memorial service will be held at Klein Funeral Home, 9719 Wortham Blvd in Houston, Texas on
December 28, 2021 at 2pm.