Ashleigh Reed Bowden

     Ashleigh Reed Bowden, 22, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 8, 2021 at home. She was born in Sampson County on August 6, 1998 to Holly Smith Bowden-Cutler and the late Mark Allen Bowden.

     In addition to her mother, Ashleigh is survived by her daughter, Kaydence Reed Merritt; sister, Elizabeth Johnson Boyette (Howard); brother, David Bowden; grandmother, Ellen Smith; and lifelong friend, Ross Dixon.

     Ashleigh was a beautiful soul inside and out. She had a glow within her that everyone who was in her presence could see. She was funny, sassy, loud, sarcastic, and full of jokes. Most of all, she had a heart of gold and cared for others more than she cared for herself.

     A note from her mom reads below:
"My Ashleigh was a high spirited little girl from the very start. She was kind and was such a lovey, dovey child. She went through growing pains from teens to her twenty's but she turned into one bright ball of energy and sunshine to be around. Hearing that giggle and laugh of hers could turn any bad moment to much more memorable. Her life will not be defined by one word alone-she is defined by her heart, the huge heart she had. I am blessed to have been given 22 years to share her life with me."

     A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021, at Black River Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 65 Eddie L Jones Road, Ivanhoe, N.C., with Pastor Travis Bennett officiating.

    The family will receive friends following the graveside service at the cemetery.

   Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.

   A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

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