Jennie Jeffers Ashby (26 Dec 1883 - 7 Nov 1972) was born in Greenville, Kentucky. She was the youngest daughter of Thomas Cruise Jeffers and Mary Elizabeth Bandy. Her mother died when she was only two years old and she was raised by her Aunt Annie and Uncle Gibbs. Her aunt saw to it that she attended school, even though it was a financial strain on the family after her uncle passed away. She graduated from high school in May 1901 and traveled to Lexington, Kentucky where she earned a teaching certificate in 1902. She taught at many schools in Muhlenburg and surrounding counties. Mrs. Ashby later earned a lifetime teaching certificate from Eastern Kentucky University.

Jennie Jeffers married Eddie J. Ashby 14 Feb 1917 and they had one son, Harold Ashby.