"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness" II Timothy 4:7-8 Mabel Celia Guinn Ashe, affectionately known as "Dida" by her siblings, was born to the late Stanley Norwood Brady Guinn and Mabel Celia Stevens Guinn on December 11, 1923, in New Bedford, MA. She was the first girl and third child of eight children. There was a profound love and closeness between Mabel and her siblings, known as "The Guinns" growing up, that continued throughout the years. Mabel moved to New York in October of 1931 at the age of seven and grew up on West 99th Street. She received her formal education in the New York City Public School system having attended P.S. 179, Joan of Arc Junior High School, and graduating from Washington Irving High School in January 1942. On February 24, 1946, Mabel married Robert Lyman Ashe (deceased 1977) and to this union five children were born: Robert "Bobby" Stanley (deceased 1997), Brenda Ellen Davis, Phillip Lance (deceased 1986), Leslie Lorraine, and Tracy Elayne. Years later, love found her again by way of James Watson (deceased 1979). Mabel worked for the Federal Government in the office of Dependency Benefits from 1941 to 1946 during World War II. She later worked for the NYC Public Schools as a secretary at PS 133 in Harlem. She then moved to the New York City Dept of Social Services, where she became a supervisor and executive assistant from 1960 to 1985, retiring in 1985. Mabel's natural love for children and her nurturing spirit were evident by her presence at every special event: birthdays, recitals, graduations and everything of significance in between. She intentionally acknowledged with gifts, and not money, because she instinctively understood that gifts speak from the heart. She was a fashionista long before the term became popular, but her style and distinctive beauty truly came from within. As much as she was stunningly beautiful, she was equally strong-willed and no-nonsense and set a foundation of love, self-respect, and determination as the matriarch of the Ashe family. Mabel loved crossword puzzles, crocheting and knitting intricately designed pieces with personalized labels - just one tangible legacy ever-treasured by those she held dear. She was an avid reader of many books and the daily newspapers, and sharpened her mind with the trivia challenges on Jeopardy, her favorite game show. She loved to walk and spent many hours outside in the park with her grandchildren and traveled to see her family. Mabel accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, attending St. Jude's Episcopal Church. She later raised her children as members of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church. At the time of her transition, she was a member of Greater File Chapel Baptist Church. While failing health prevented her full participation as she desired, she enjoyed attending worship service with her daughter, Tracy. She was a member of the Becimore Social Club for a number of years, famously known for its competitive Pokeno games, and for which she proudly hosted many events. Six of Mabel's siblings preceded her in death: Stanley Otis, Stephen "Tee-Wee" Brady, John "Johnny" Clinton, Phyllis Gertrude Lennon, Ruth Frances (Doogie) Myers, and Dorothy Mae Watkins. ;She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy: loving and devoted children, Brenda, Leslie and Tracy; beloved grandchildren, Nia Tahani, Hajji Ali, Emani Laila, and Arielle Tracan; one sister, Lorraine Guinn Bussey; two brothers-in-law, Edward Bussey and Odell Lennon; two sisters-in-law, Pauline Guinn and Anna Bertha Guinn; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews; a goddaughter: a grand goddaughter; a grand godson; and a host of family and friends. Mabel will be forever loved and missed by all.