John R. Ashburn, 86, son of the late Clarence and Inell Bostic Ashburn, passed away on Feb. 17, 2016, in Consulate Health Care of Norfolk. He was educated in Nansemond County Public Schools. John retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 30 years of service. He was a longtime member of Morning Star Baptist Church, Windsor, and a member of Greater Suffolk, St. Luke’s Lodge No. 279 I.B.P.O.E. of W., Franklin.

John was preceded in death by two brothers, Louis Clarence “Duke” Ashburn and Cleophus Ashburn.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 59 years, Virginia Ashburn; his son Howard L. Goode Jr. (Jacqueline); brother Haywood Ashburn (Betty); five sisters-in-law, Clarice Ashburn, Helen Ashburn, Rhonda Lambert (Romeo), Michele Faulk and Sharon Daughtrey; three grandchildren, Dukesha Goode, Tia O. Goode, Howard L. Goode (Nicole); two great-grandchildren, Joyia and Travis Whitney; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including a special friend, Randolph Boling.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Shivers Funeral Chapel, 12749 Courthouse Highway, Smithfield. The celebration of life service will be held at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Shivers Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial and Cremation Gardens. The family will meet at the residence by 11 a.m. Wednesday to process to the service. For more information, please visit www.shiversfuneralchapel.com.