Memorial fund established for former North Duplin softball player
A memorial fund has been set up in the loving memory of a 2009 North Duplin High School graduate killed in an automobile accident
Ashley Cartwright, 19, of 2120 Summerlin’s Crossroads Road, Mount Olive, died June 28 in a one-car accident on N.C. 403.
Contributions to the Ashley Cartwright Memorial Fund can be sent to the North Duplin Athletic Boosters Club, C/O Gayle H. Joyner, 301 SW Center St., Faison, N.C. 28341.
Ashley was a stalwart softball player with the Rebels. She played in the outfield until her senior year when she became the team’s catcher. Her senior year she was named the team’s Most Valuable Player.
Ashley Cartwright had her own unique style. Here she waves as she prepares to do some welding. (Photo submitted by Shing Carr)
After graduation, Ashley continued to help out the softball team, sometimes running the scoreboard, always cheering on the team she loved.
While in high school, she was a member of the Future Farmers of America and sang in the chorus.
“She was one of a kind, who never feared expressing her unique style,” said Shing Carr, a booster who photographs many of North Duplin’s games. “She will forever be remembered as one of our very special Rebel ladies.”
Her Myspace page was quite lively. “Don’t judge her until you take the time to know her,” her younger sister Kayleisa wrote. “She is a kickass sister and friend. I Love her a lot. Get to know her, you won’t regret it.”
On her Myspace page Ashley listed her heroes as God, Mama, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Woody, Kayleisa (little sister), Rashad (little brother), and her best friends Brittany and Tearra.
Survivors include her parents, Billie Jo Brock Bizzell and Ricky Bizzell; brother Rashad Brock; sister Kayleisa Cartwright; special friend Stephanie Holloman and daughter Alyana Holloman, and her grandmother, Inez Brock.
According to State Highway Patrol reports, Ashley’s vehicle left the roadway and struck a ditch and several trees. She was pronounced dead at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro. Speed was not a contributing factor.
