Born on April 20, 2020, an angel from the beginning, Ashton Stith was the fourth child born to Lyonetta Taylor and Elmer Junius Brown, Jr. On June 13, 2025, at the age of 5, Ashton departed this life unexpectedly, in Yosemite, FL.  He was preceded in death by his maternal uncle, Brandon Coleman and paternal grandmother, Mrs. Eva Brown.

Ashton attended Sussex Central Elementary School and became a 2025 graduate of the Pre-K program.  He was a leap of joy heading to SCES Kindergarten this fall.  Daily visits to McDonald's and watching Mickey Mouse often would brightened his day.

Ashton affectionately called "Fat-Fat" to close family members was lively at all times.  Fat-Fat was a bright, spirited, and uniquely gifted little soul. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, he saw the world through a lens on his own—one filled with wonder, curiosity, and pure love. He had a deep affection for water—it was his happy place, his calm. Whether splashing in the tub, chasing waves at the beach, or simply watching raindrops race down a window, water brought him a peace that was magical to witness.

Ashton was incredibly tech-savvy, always surprising us with how quickly he could figure out a device, navigate an app, or teach himself something new. His tiny fingers danced across tablets and remotes with ease, and he could unlock more features than most adults even knew existed. His toys were his treasures—each one brought to life by his vivid imagination and gentle touch. He loved lining them up, creating stories only he could fully understand, and sharing quiet moments with them as if they were old friends.

To know Ashton was to love him. He did not need many words to make an impact—his presence alone spoke volumes. His laughter was contagious, his hugs were warm and sincere, his cheeks were irresistible for a loving pinch and his eyes carried a depth that made you feel seen and understood in the most unexpected ways. He had a way of making even the smallest things feel extraordinary.

He leaves to carry on his memory: his loving parents, Elmer Junius Brown, Jr., Lyonetta Taylor and stepmom, Tierra Johnson; his devoted siblings, Zayden Stith, Jaycion Brown, Chase Stith, Exavier Brown, Emauni Brown and Mia Marshall. There are surviving doting grandparents, Lionel Stith and Janet Gray-Stith; Rose Thomas and Martin Thomas; Elmer Brown, Sr.; Rose Marie and Michael Whittington; Great grandparents, Catherine and Stanley Motton and Beatrice Parham. Fats also leaves to cherish his memories his aunts, Tisha, Tiffany and Danielle Taylor, Kayla Thomas, Jakayla Gray, Tanya Williams (Carlton), Sonya Shaw (Randy) and Kenya Bolanger and Angel Whittington; uncles, Markal Thomas and Jordi Gray; a host of great uncles, great aunts; extended family, cousins and friends who cherished every moment spent with him.

Ashton taught us how to be patient, have joy and find beauty in simplicity.  The love for him will forever linger in our hearts.

Services will be held 3:00 P.M., Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Empowerment Temple Ministries, 219 North County Drive, Waverly, VA, Pastor Terrence Green, Sr., Pastor. The interment to follow at Union Baptist Church Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.