Ashton's story

A World Vision: Ashton Rae Woods Foundation was founded as a living tribute to Ashton, a passionate daughter, sister, friend, philanthropist, and missionary who lost her life in a car accident due to distracted driving at age 33.

Ashtons life was a testament to her fearless pursuit of Jesus and her deep passion for sharing hope and joy with the world.

Her legacy is not only rooted in her love for ministry but also in her commitment to serving the underserved and advocating for the overlooked.

After a short-term mission trip in 2014, that experience confirmed her calling to the field and ignited a fire in her to serve communities in need across the globe in places like Scotland, Oman, Ukraine, Austria, France, the United States, and Mexico.

There she worked alongside local churches, nonprofits, and community organizations, bringing practical support, spiritual guidance, and hope to those who needed it most. In these communities, Ashtons outreach extended beyond evangelism to serve the practical needs of those facing poverty, isolation, and hardship.

Whether it was providing food and shelter to displaced individuals or families, advocating for marginalized groups, or leading youth programs in underserved areas, educating and teaching English to children, Ashton was always looking for ways to serve with compassion, integrity, and love. Her heart for these communities is at the core of the Ashton Rae Woods Foundation.

The Core of our non-profit organization

Today, the Foundation carries Ashton's vision forward, focusing on three key pillars:

Community Outreach: Just as Ashton did, the foundation is committed to serving underprivileged and neglected communities, offering resources, support, and advocacy to help individuals rise above their circumstances. Our outreach initiatives empower people to break free from cycles of poverty and oppression, building stronger, more resilient communities.

Education & Advocacy: The foundation is also passionate about raising awareness on the dangers of texting while driving - an issue that ultimately took Ashton's life. This is a nationwide epidemic in the United States with digital distraction while operating a mobile vehicle. Through educational campaigns, advocacy, and partnerships with local leaders and legislators, we strive to make our roads safer and support families who have been affected by texting-related accidents. 

Scholarship:  In honor of Ashton's missionary spirit, the foundation provides financial scholarships to individuals pursuing missionary work or those facing financial hardship. We believe that every person, regardless of financial background, should have the opportunity to serve others and spread love without the burden of financial constraints.

Ashton's dedication to community service, outreach, and global mission is reflected in everything the foundation does. Her life was a beacon of hope for those who needed it most, and through the foundation, her mission to love and serve others lives on.

Meet the team

Savannah Woods Flynn

President

Savannah Woods Flynn is the President of the Board for A World Vision: Ashton Rae Woods Foundation, an Account Manager for Insight Global, and currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jimmy Woods

Director of Events & Fundraising

Jimmy Woods is a retired Firefighter/EMT, former Arkansas Fire Director, and P25 Public Safety Communications Specialist. A graduate of Southern Arkansas University and The University of Memphis, he has a distinguished career in public safety and administration.

Emily Clark

Director of Communications

Emily Clark had the privilege of knowing Ashton Woods since elementary school. They bonded over music, and she became her best friend and singing partner.

Missy Woods

Director of Community & Development

Missy Woods is a proud Christian, wife to Jimmy Woods, and mother to three beautiful daughters. She loves her job and is passionate about helping other people.

David Flynn

Director of Technology

David runs a software development agency called Automatic. He has his B.S. o Entrepreneurship from the University of Mississippi.

Holly Nelson

Creative Director

Holly Nelson had the honor of calling Ashton Woods her best friend, growing up together in church and sharing the same heart for Christ and truth.

Patrick Gautraud

Director of Finance

Patrick Gautraud is an aspiring CPA who has always loved working with mission driven organizations. He holds a BBA in Accounting and an M.S. in Taxation.

Beth Benoit

Director of Marketing

Beth and Ashton met while serving on the mission field in Scotland from 2015 to 2016 and immediately struck up a once-in-a-lifetime friendship.