Big Stone Gap, Va.-Charlsie Lynn Cassell, 88, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her family.
She lived in Big Stone Gap for most of her life. She was a telephone operator for C & P Telephone Co., Bell Atlantic and Verizon. She was an avid musician of mountain music, playing the autoharp and dulcimer. She regularly attended the MECC Mountain Music School. She also continued to take classes at MECC, well into her 80’s. She loved cooking for church and family. She was a member of Heritage Church of God.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, William E. Ashley and Hughie Cassell, Sr.; son, Russell C. Ashley; and sisters, Sue Swiney and Jean Palmer.
Surviving are her children, Darrell Ashley, Big Stone Gap, Karen Crowe (David), Leesburg, Fla., Sharon Norwood of North Carolina, Jean Taylor (Tim) and Hughie Cassell, Jr., both of Tennessee; 19 grandchildren, Allison Winters, Amanda Sturgill, Justin Ashley, Miressa Ashley, Perry Michael Ashley, Christopher Ashley, Melissa Ashley, Samantha Ashley, Ashley Jones, Brian Maushardt, Katie Pike, Erin Johnston, Michelle Crowe, Jessica Crowe, Jerimy Norwood, Jessica Burrell, Kari Farmer, Lana Cassell and DeeAnn Greear; numerous great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her loving, adorable canine, “Jack.”
The family will receive friends from 12:00pm – 2:00pm Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave, W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The service will follow at 2:00pm with Rev. Jimmy Qualls and Rev. Christopher Ashley officiating.
Burial will follow in Glencoe Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be: Brian Maushardt, Chris Ashley, Justin Ashley, Perry Michael Ashley, Derrick Hill and David Crowe.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PAWS of SWVA, Inc., P. O. Box 576, Coeburn, VA 24230 or the MECC Foundation, in the memo please put: Mountain Music School, and mail to: MECC Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Cassell’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.