Honea Path – Margaret Bannister Cromer Ashley, 86, widow of Jack Ashley, of 248 Wildwood Drive, died Monday September 19, 2011 at Rainey Hospice House.

Born in Anderson County, she was a daughter of the late Lon and Florence King Bannister. She was a life member of Bethany Baptist Church where she worked with The Sunbeam Children, was a past vacation bible school principal and also served as WMU president for several years. She was a member of the Jean Newman Sunday school class. Mrs. Ashley retired from Riegel Textile Corp. and Wometco Vending Co. She was also previously employed at Playhouse and Gerber nurseries in Honea Path. She was twice married, first to the late Eldridge Rual Cromer.

Surviving are one daughter; Loretta Cromer McClain and husband Tommy of Honea Path; a step-daughter Toni McClain of Abbeville;  two brothers, R. Leon and Lamar Bannister both of Belton; three sisters; Hazel Gilliam, Hilda Driver, and Sybil Bratcher all of Belton; and a grandson, Hutch McClain of Greenville.  She was predeceased by a brother, Louie Bannister and a sister, Seretha B. Gilliam.    

Funeral services will be held at 3PM Wednesday September 21, 2011 at Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Bannister, Rev. Carroll Plemmons, and Rev. Andy Hall officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family is at the home and will receive friends from 1:30 – 3PM at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road Anderson SC 29621. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com