Funeral Information
Location:
Old West Florida Enrichment Center
Date: 01-17-2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Time: 11:00 AM
Visitation Information
Location:
Old West Florida Enrichment Center
Date:
Time:
Time:
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Obituary
Ashley Emilia Smith Peterman III, a powerhouse of advocacy, intellect, and love, was the beloved daughter of Michael and Sonya Smith. She was born on September 4, 1991, in Panama City, Florida, and resided there during her formative years. The family later established their permanent residency in Tallahassee, Florida.
Education and Professional Excellence
Ashley’s life was marked by a commitment to excellence and communication. She was a proud alumna of Florida A&M University, where in May 2015, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations. Relentlessly pursuing her purpose in being of service to others, she later combined her communications expertise with a passion for systemic change, to earn her Master of Public Administration (MPA) in May 2025 from Florida State University. Her primary focus was Emergency Management because she wanted the assurance that individuals living with disabilities were cared for during natural disasters.
A National Voice for MS Research
In every adversity, there is opportunity to triumph. Following her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in August 2017, Ashley became a tireless Ambassador for the National MS Society. She was a familiar and respected face in Washington, D.C., where she walked the halls of Congress advocating for MS research funding and a better healthcare policy. She attended the National MS Society Conference in March 2020 which helped her to raise the bar of excellence in her activism. Her unique ability for blending her PR background with her MPA training made her a formidable and effective voice for the MS community. She also served on the North Florida MS Society Board and was a fundraiser for MS Research. Because of her determination and commitment, Ashley transformed her personal challenges into a platform for national change.
A Devoted Family Life
While her public work was extensive, Ashley’s heart belonged at home. She was the devoted wife of Frank Peterman III and the proud mother of Frank Peterman IV, affectionately known as “Q” or “Quattro.” Everything she did - every milestone she reached and every battle she fought - was fueled by her love for her son and her desire to build a bright future for him. She took care of him until her last breath.
It’s Not the Strength of the Body
That Counts, but the Strength of the Spirit
Everyone’s journey is different. Ashley Emilia Smith Peterman III’s journey may seem too brief, but “time is not measured by the years that you live, but by the deeds that you do and the joy that you give.” On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, she transitioned from this world of illness to her eternal home that is free of MS. Just as she often affirmed, “I have spun this hard life into gold.”
Ashley Emilia Smith Peterman III leaves a legacy of resilience that will inspire many for years to come. Those who will forever embrace her love and memory with fondness are her devoted husband, Frank Peterman III; beloved son, Frank Peterman IV; parents, Michael and Sonya Smith; sister, Alexius Smith; parents-in-love, the Honorable Frank and June Peterman, Jr.; sister-in-love, Sydnee Peterman; brothers-in-love, Jordan Peterman and Taffrey Peterman; grandparents-in-love, Frank and Audrey Peterman, Sr. and Willie Mae Morgan; uncles, Kenny Morgan and Julius Morgan, along with many other sorrowing relatives, caring friends, and her loving MS Advocacy family.
Education and Professional Excellence
Ashley’s life was marked by a commitment to excellence and communication. She was a proud alumna of Florida A&M University, where in May 2015, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations. Relentlessly pursuing her purpose in being of service to others, she later combined her communications expertise with a passion for systemic change, to earn her Master of Public Administration (MPA) in May 2025 from Florida State University. Her primary focus was Emergency Management because she wanted the assurance that individuals living with disabilities were cared for during natural disasters.
A National Voice for MS Research
In every adversity, there is opportunity to triumph. Following her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in August 2017, Ashley became a tireless Ambassador for the National MS Society. She was a familiar and respected face in Washington, D.C., where she walked the halls of Congress advocating for MS research funding and a better healthcare policy. She attended the National MS Society Conference in March 2020 which helped her to raise the bar of excellence in her activism. Her unique ability for blending her PR background with her MPA training made her a formidable and effective voice for the MS community. She also served on the North Florida MS Society Board and was a fundraiser for MS Research. Because of her determination and commitment, Ashley transformed her personal challenges into a platform for national change.
A Devoted Family Life
While her public work was extensive, Ashley’s heart belonged at home. She was the devoted wife of Frank Peterman III and the proud mother of Frank Peterman IV, affectionately known as “Q” or “Quattro.” Everything she did - every milestone she reached and every battle she fought - was fueled by her love for her son and her desire to build a bright future for him. She took care of him until her last breath.
It’s Not the Strength of the Body
That Counts, but the Strength of the Spirit
Everyone’s journey is different. Ashley Emilia Smith Peterman III’s journey may seem too brief, but “time is not measured by the years that you live, but by the deeds that you do and the joy that you give.” On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, she transitioned from this world of illness to her eternal home that is free of MS. Just as she often affirmed, “I have spun this hard life into gold.”
Ashley Emilia Smith Peterman III leaves a legacy of resilience that will inspire many for years to come. Those who will forever embrace her love and memory with fondness are her devoted husband, Frank Peterman III; beloved son, Frank Peterman IV; parents, Michael and Sonya Smith; sister, Alexius Smith; parents-in-love, the Honorable Frank and June Peterman, Jr.; sister-in-love, Sydnee Peterman; brothers-in-love, Jordan Peterman and Taffrey Peterman; grandparents-in-love, Frank and Audrey Peterman, Sr. and Willie Mae Morgan; uncles, Kenny Morgan and Julius Morgan, along with many other sorrowing relatives, caring friends, and her loving MS Advocacy family.