Ashley Gipner

Elizabeth Ashley Gipner, age 45, born and originally from Birmingham, Alabama, passed away surrounded by family and loved ones on Sunday, November 30, in Huntsville, Alabama.

Ashley lived with and was affected by Rett Syndrome and was one of the first women to be diagnosed in the United States after awareness of the disorder spread in the 1980s. Rett gradually took from her the ability to speak, to move with ease, and even to walk. Yet to those who knew her, she became a source of wonder and inspiration, finding her own ways to communicate and connect. Her beautiful brown eyes were her voice, conveying everything from joy to quiet frustration, but above all, they expressed love, sweetness, and a gentle wisdom that touched everyone around her. She was known as the hummingbird, for the soft, rhythmic hum that seemed to float around her, a delicate and constant presence that brought comfort and joy. Through her eyes, her hum, and every subtle gesture, Ashley shared her curiosity, her laughter, and her tenderness in a language that was entirely her own. Everyone saw in her the extraordinary ability to speak without words, to teach without instruction, and to show that life, even when constrained by limits, can be rich, full, and beautiful. Those who loved her will never forget the way her eyes could light up a room, hold a conversation, or convey the simplest and truest expressions of love. Ashley's life, though marked by challenge, became a living reflection of resilience, connection, and the enduring ways the heart can speak even when the voice cannot.

Ashley is preceded in death by her mother, Debbie Gipner, and her grandparents, Roy and Joyce Phillips. She is survived by her father, Terry Gipner; her siblings, Gina Miller (Rod), Gordon Gipner (Shelli), and Andrew Gipner (Kristin); and eight nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Ashley's caretaker, Kim Humphries, and former caretaker, Debbie Smith, for the love, dedication, and care they provided to Ashley's specific day-to-day needs. Special gratitude is also extended to Dr. Alan Percy and Jane Lane, formerly of the Rett Syndrome Clinic at UAB Hospital, for their lifelong commitment to the care of individuals with Rett Syndrome and their pursuit of ongoing treatment and a cure.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ashley's name to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation.

Ashley's celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 6, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hoover, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m. Immediately following the service, interment will be at Curie-Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Hoover, Alabama.