Personal reflections of our friend Ashle Wilson Bailey are sharp and deeply felt. To those who knew her, Ashle’s name evokes a broad smile and vivid images of a dynamic, caring individual with boundless energy and vision.
Warm and uplifting, Ashle was a coach’s coach with had an uncanny ability to make everyone around her feel supported and loved. She assumed the very best in people and defined her success as the happiness of yours. Her easy-going, friendly manner – mixed with a sharp wit, and strong work ethic – made her an inspiration to others both professionally and personally. And her devotion to family and community was boundless.
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| Celebrating Ashle's 50th ~ Dec., 2020: Ashle and Scott Bailey with their children Amanda, Lauren, Wilson and Rhett |
She was also a distinguished, highly-respected leader in the real state business who mentored and inspired countless other leaders. These friends and colleagues say there really was no one quite like Ashle – here are a few and their remembrances.
R.T. Christopher:
Managing broker of the Greenville office of Long & Foster, R.T. says while Ashle enjoyed one of the finest reputations in the industry, there was so much more that made her exceptional.
“Equally as important you hear, ‘compassionate, professional, caring, joyous, encouraging, supportive’ – all of those things really made Ashle such a special person,” said Christopher. “It's very easy for people to be driven in their career and let those other things fall by the wayside. But Ashle was very aware that those enviable characteristics were all part of who she wanted to be. She could balance all those traits better than almost anybody that I've ever known.”
Even with nearly 30 years of his own experience in the industry, Christopher says he learned a ‘tremendous amount’ from Ashle, noting their mutual respect well before the two joined Long & Foster (L&F) in 2013. “It’s a given that she was one of the top real estate professionals ever. But it was often her soft skills that set her apart. She was never afraid to ask others for their advice and show others by example,” said Christopher. “I am grateful for the many years we had to work together,” he said.
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| In May, Ashle, Rose Bloom (left) and Carol Wilson presented a donation of 4,000 doggie treats made by bakers at Waggies by Maggie and Friends to the DHA |
Amanda Bailey:
Daughter Amanda Bailey shared at Ashle’s service that she was equally devoted to colleagues, clients, friends and family, never missing important milestones and often finding new ways to celebrate life and friendship.
“Ashle didn’t touch anyone’s life lightly - if you were part of her life, she loved you and cared for you deeply and fiercely,” she said.
Ashle’s smile was electric. “I’ll miss her big toothy grin, and I know you all will too,” remarked Amanda. “In the words of The Boss, ‘Her smile brings the morning light to our eyes.’ You felt Ashle’s presence and saw her smile the moment she walked into the room.”
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| Ashle with three of her favorites ~ lifelong friends, including here Suzanne Weinert, a crab feast and relaxing times at Stone Harbor, NJ |
Ashle’s young family includes husband Scott Bailey and daughters Amanda, Lauren, 21, Wilson, 17 and Rhett, 13.
Recalling some of their favorite moments together, Amanda said Ashle’s unfailing support is what their family cherished most. “Ashle would support you no matter what – even when she knew you were making a mistake – and she was always ready to lovingly guide you in the right direction,” said Amanda. “She set the standard for how to have and be a best friend, for how to be a rockstar business leader, and how to make sure all of us felt loved every second of every day.”
Recalling some of their favorite moments together, Amanda said Ashle’s unfailing support is what their family cherished most. “Ashle would support you no matter what – even when she knew you were making a mistake – and she was always ready to lovingly guide you in the right direction,” said Amanda. “She set the standard for how to have and be a best friend, for how to be a rockstar business leader, and how to make sure all of us felt loved every second of every day.”
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| Left: Ashle, her brother Jamie and Carol Wilson in 2019. Rt: Ashle and Carol at the 2018 New Castle County Board of Realtors Awards Ceremony |
Carol Wilson:
With her mother Carol Wilson serving as inspiration, Ashle was devoted to community and the good works of local nonprofits. At a Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition fundraiser earlier this month, sponsored by Team Wilson, Carol eloquently spoke on Ashle’s behalf, reminding them how deeply she and Ashle admired the nonprofit’s purpose while reflecting on the traits that made her daughter so special.
“Ashle did everything so well because she truly loved supporting family and community. She really went above and beyond what most people could do. Ashle packed everything in – she was constantly doing things for other people, and she loved life. Let that be a role model for all of you so that you go forward, do what you enjoy, and remember to make others happy.”
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| Ashle with her best friends (l to r) Suzanne Weinert, Lisa (Whitlock) Merenda and Kim Saxton |
Kim Saxton:
Longtime friend Kim Saxton calls Ashle her “very own Superhero,” rescuing her on countless occasions. Saxton also spoke at the Ashle’s service, describing her best friend this way: “Ashle: sweet and tough and fierce and smart; a visionary and an innovator with natural business acumen and leadership. Her success was understated. And to her, success was the happiness of her clients, co-workers and friends. She was grateful for the opportunity to contribute.
And she fondly remembers Ashle’s encouragement and wise counsel. “Tough times did not show on Ashle – she would tackle it head on, fix the problem without breaking a sweat, move the mountain, keep the train on the tracks, and make it look effortless.
“I am a better person – we are better people – to have lived this life with Ashle as our sister. She is a great, irreplaceable love of our lives and her light will shine bright and strong forever.”
Longtime friend Kim Saxton calls Ashle her “very own Superhero,” rescuing her on countless occasions. Saxton also spoke at the Ashle’s service, describing her best friend this way: “Ashle: sweet and tough and fierce and smart; a visionary and an innovator with natural business acumen and leadership. Her success was understated. And to her, success was the happiness of her clients, co-workers and friends. She was grateful for the opportunity to contribute.
And she fondly remembers Ashle’s encouragement and wise counsel. “Tough times did not show on Ashle – she would tackle it head on, fix the problem without breaking a sweat, move the mountain, keep the train on the tracks, and make it look effortless.
“I am a better person – we are better people – to have lived this life with Ashle as our sister. She is a great, irreplaceable love of our lives and her light will shine bright and strong forever.”
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| Ashle with friends Lisa Merenda and Kim Saxton |
