Ashley Elizabeth Smith Rees of Hope Mills, NC passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at the age of 27. She was born March 16, 1993 in Fayetteville, NC to Sherry Dickens Smith and Ronald J. Smith. Ashley is survived by her daughter Matalyn Shirley Rees, as well as her husband Bradley Ray Rees; her parents Sherry Dickens Smith and Ronald J. Smith; her siblings Grayson J. Smith and his longtime girlfriend Maria Lopez, Warren R. Smith and his fiancé April Utley, Leonidas D. Smith and his wife Charity Smith, and Marshall C. Smith; Olivia Grace; and her grandmother Shirley J. Dickens.

Ashley never met a stranger. She greeted everyone with her infectious smile and laughter. All that knew her knew she was deeply kind and loving. Ashley was surrounded by a large and loving family that she was very close with. Not only was she strongly connected to her brothers, Ashley's cousins were her close companions. She knew no shortage of love from her parents, grandmother, aunts, and uncles, who all played an intricate role in her life.

Throughout her life, Ashley was artistically gifted in many ways. In addition to her talents as an artist and painter, she had an ability to sing and play various instruments, such as the piano and the flute. She grew up using her musical abilities in school and church, where she frequently sang solos. One of her favorite things to do was visit Disney World, a place she impressively visited about 30 times.

She was a sincere lover of animals and children, and her ability to show compassion extended beyond her family. Throughout various stages of her own life, Ashley was involved in helping numerous people, children, and animals in need through difficult situations. Her tenderness and capacity for love will be remembered and missed greatly by everyone she knew and loved.

A celebration of Ashley's life will be held at Page Cemetery, 1151 W. White Pond Rd. Fairmont, NC, at 2:00PM on Saturday, February 27, 2021.

At the request of the family, please consider In Lieu of flowers, a donation to an education fund for her daughter, Matalyn Shirley Rees at State Employees Credit Union (Hope Mills, NC) In Care of Matalyn Millen-Custodian 6718 Rockfish Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28306.