Ashley Ann Tarver

Ashley Ann Tarver, age 38 of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, passed away on January 19, 2022. Ashley was born on October 12, 1983 to parents, Patricia Finn Tarver and Phillip Russell Tarver, both of who survive her. She is also survived by her younger brother, Richard Harrison Tarver, and her most loyal dog, Blue. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Myrtle A. Finn, William Harrison Finn, Vallie W. Tarver, and Jack Phillips Tarver. Ashely graduated from Rhodes College in 2006 with a B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature. She also attended Oxford University in England, where she studied Greek and Roman Studies and Philosophy. After graduating from college, Ashley found one of her true passions when she attended culinary school in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she developed her expertise in savory and pastry culinary arts and wine. Her love for worldly cuisine ultimately led her to work in three Michelin starred restaurants in San Sabastian, Spain, and three James Beard Award-winning restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama and Portland, Oregon. Always the entrepreneur, Ashley also founded her own infused olive oil business and could regularly be seen at Birmingham's Farmer's Market at Pepper Place. She also enjoyed being a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier International, a philanthropic organization of high achieving women in the fields of food, fine beverages and hospitality. In addition to culinary arts, Ashley had a deep passion for travel, which started when her maternal grandmother, "Mimi", took her on her first trip abroad with a group of retirees from Sylacauga. She saw the Eiffel Tower and had the time of her life. Ashley's curiosity and adventurous spirit led her to travel to more than 30 countries worldwide, where she met new friends, learned about other cultures, and collected unique treasures. Eventually, her Southern roots called her back to Birmingham, where she deeply loved her family and friends. One of her favorite traditions was to spend quiet Sunday afternoons with her Daddy and dog Blue. A loyal daughter and true friend, she will be missed by so many. Due to the ongoing pandemic, a Celebration of Life ceremony will be delayed until the Spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Two by Two Rescue, a no-kill rescue program that saves abandoned, abused, stray and distressed animals, a cause that was very near to Ashley's heart. Donations can be made to Two by Two Rescue, P.O, Box 708, Helena, Alabama 35080.
" I never stopped traveling...I think the most important thing you can teach a child (or adult) is how big this world is. There are so many cultures, traditions, sights to see and places to go. When you show a child the world you teach empathy, compassion, kindness and understanding". - AAT