Eliza Jane (Burnett) Ashley (1917 - 2020)

Born 11 Oct 1917 in Pettus, Lonoke, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Wife of Louis Calvin Dodson — married 26 Jun 1933 (to 8 Jul 1955) in Lonoke, Arkansas, United States

Wife of Fred Ashley — married 9 May 1960 in Lonoke, Lonoke, Arkansas, United States

Died 13 Nov 2020 at age 103 in Norwalk, Los Angeles, California, United States

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Biography

Eliza (Burnett) Ashley is Notable.

Eliza (Burnett) Ashley was a centenarian, living to age 103.

Eliza "Liza" Jane Burnett, later known as Eliza Jane Ashley, is notable for her remarkable culinary career as the longtime cook at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion, spanning over thirty-five years. Her dedication, warmth, and culinary expertise made her a beloved figure among Arkansas's first families and distinguished guests. Beyond her role at the mansion, Eliza co-authored a book chronicling her experiences, made appearances on national cooking shows, and received numerous honors for her contributions to the state, including having days proclaimed in her honor. Her commitment to her community through volunteer work and her active involvement in charitable organizations further solidified her legacy as a cherished and respected figure in Arkansas history.^[1][2]

Eliza "Liza" Jane Burnett was born on October 11, 1917, in Pettus, Lonoke County, Arkansas, to William Burnett and Eliza Johnson Burnett.^[3] She spent her childhood in Indian Bayou Township^[4], where she worked as a field hand picking cotton on the Oldham Plantation. At the age of fifteen, she began her culinary journey, taking over the cooking duties at the "Big House" after her grandmother, who was the cook, passed away.^[3]

In 1933, she married Louis Calvin Dodson in Lonoke County, Arkansas.^[5] However, their marriage ended in divorce on July 8, 1955.^[6] Eliza then moved to Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, in 1942.^[3]

Her career took a significant turn in 1954, when she became a maid at the Governor's Mansion. A year later, she transitioned to the role of cook, a position she held for thirty-five years. Known for her warm smile, enduring personality, and dedication, she became a beloved figure among Arkansas's first families and guests of the mansion. She catered formal dinners, banquets, receptions, and holiday events, serving governors, dignitaries, celebrities, senators, and even first and second ladies of the United States.^[7][8]

In 1960, Eliza married Fred Ashley in Lonoke, Lonoke County, Arkansas.^[9] Despite her demanding career, she found time to co-author a book titled "Thirty Years at the Mansion" with Carolyn Huber, the mansion administrator during Governor Bill Clinton's tenure. The book, published in 1985, chronicled her experiences and culinary expertise. Eliza's fame extended beyond the mansion as she appeared on cooking shows, participated in book signings, and was interviewed by national media outlets like CNN and Good Morning America.^[7][8]

Her contributions to the state were recognized with various honors, including the proclamation of "Eliza Jane Ashley Day" by Governor Dale Bumpers in 1974. Additionally, she received the key to the city of Lonoke and was honored with "Liza Ashley Day" in North Little Rock. In 1997, she was bestowed the title of "Countess of Pulaski" by County Judge Floyd G. “Buddy” Villines III.^[2]

Eliza remained actively involved in her community, volunteering as a chaplain for the American Legion Veteran Affairs and participating in charitable organizations such as the Sunshine Charity Club. She was also a dedicated member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock, where she served on the usher board.^[2]

In her later years, Eliza relocated to California after her ninetieth birthday. She passed away on November 13, 2020, in Los Angeles. She was laid to rest at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, leaving behind a legacy of culinary excellence, service, and warmth.^[2]

Sources

1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors. Eliza Jane Ashley. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. February 2, 2024, 05:50 UTC. Available at: "Eliza Jane Ashley." Accessed February 6, 2024.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} McDowell, Linda, Buter Center for Arkansas Studies, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "Eliza Jane Ashley (1917–2020)." Accessed 6 Feb 2024.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} Bowden, Bill, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Arkansas Online, Little Rock, Arkansas, 18 Nov 2020. "Mansion cook saw history in kitchen." Accessed 6 Feb 2024.
4. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Indian Bayou, Lonoke, Arkansas; Roll: T625_70; Page: 23A; Enumeration District: 168 Ancestry Record 6061 #3252748
5. ↑ Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Certificates; Year: 1933; Film: #5 Ancestry Record 61775 #90469297
6. ↑ Arkansas, Divorces, 1923-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Divorces; Year: 1955; Film Number: 3 Ancestry Record 61776 #389742
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1} Ebony Magazine, Johnson Publishing Company, 1989. "Thirty-Four Years At The Governor's Mansiion." Accessed 5 Feb 2024.
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1} Governors' cook recalls 30 years in mansion, Baxter Bulletin, Mountain Home, Arkansas, 24, Aug 1985, Sat. - Page 9. Newspapers Clip: 140326210, Accessed 5 Feb 2024.
9. ↑ Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Certificates; Year: 1960; Film: #3 Ancestry Record 61775 #91362397

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q94432070