Ashley Nicole Smylie, 40, passed away Tuesday, March 19, at her home in Brandon.

She was born April 11, 1983, in Stuart, Fla. Ashley was always a Floridian at heart. She loved to travel and especially enjoyed sharing Florida’s beaches and Disney World with her family.

She taught in the mathematics department of Northwest Rankin High School and was gifted in mathematics, technology and the arts.

She enjoyed reading and spending time with her family, be it lounging and playing video games or taking her golden retrievers, Wyatt and Finn, on long walks.

Ashley was a wonderful wife, daughter, sister, teacher and friend. But more than anything, Ashley was a devoted mother. She loved being a mother more than anything.

Her strength and compassion throughout her life were, and continue to be, an inspiration to all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Natalie Gregg; grandparents, Grover Hood, Willie Evelyn Hood, Sarah Breland, and Robert Breland Sr.

She is survived by her husband, Heath Smylie; daughter, Carly Gregg; parents, Robert and Vicki Breland Jr.; and sister, Amber [James] Floyd.

A celebration of life service will be held Thursday, March 28, at 4 p.m. at Pinelake Baptist Church at 6071 State Highway 25, Brandon, MS 39047.

The family requests that donations be made to CureSMA (in Ashley’s honor) in lieu of flowers.

Donations can be easily made by going to https://www.curesma.org/ and clicking on “Donate.”