Elliott “Ely” O’Shea Ashley was born July 29, 1969, in McComb, MS, to the late Deacon Ellis Ashley, Jr., and Evangelist Carolyn R. Williamson Ashley.
He attended Otkens Elementary, Higgins Middle School, Denman Jr. High School, and McComb High School. He also attended Alcorn State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He was a member of the Sounds of Dynamite Marching Band. He was the section leader of the Mighty T.O.P. Drum Section and Founding Father of the Iota Beta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. He later earned his Masters of Education Degree at Alabama State University. Finally, he attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he received an Educational Specialist Degree.
He became an educator and counselor for the Birmingham School System. Because of his love and concern for students, he wrote Bully Brakers. His book was used to combat bullying in school systems across the United States. In recognition of outstanding achievement, Elliott was chosen as School Counselor of the year 2019, for Birmingham City Schools. Elliott was a drummer’s drummer. He didn’t just play the drums but studied drumming every day. This gift made room for him to have a solo performance in an Alabama Power commercial, to play with Jazz great, Cleve Eaton, and provided many more opportunities. He was a minister of music at First Baptist Church of Ensley in Birmingham. As a child, he was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist church in McComb, MS. Elliott accepted Jesus Christ at an early age.
He leaves to treasure his memories: two sons, Elisha and Andrew Ashley of Birmingham, AL; a brother, minister André B. Ashley (Alethia) of Duluth, GA; sister, Shanda Ashley Banks (Prentiss III) of McComb, MS; a loving, caring, and fully devoted girlfriend, Kelly Embry of Birmingham, AL; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.