Obituary: Louise Askew

Louise was born on January 6, 1929 to Joseph and Mary Parker in Williamston, North Carolina. She was the youngest of five siblings, and grew up in a close-knit family that instilled in her the values of hard work, faith, and community.

As a young woman, Louise attended Shaw University, where she earned her degree in education. She soon began her teaching career, and spent over 40 years working with young people in the Winston-Salem school system. She was known for her kindness, patience, and dedication, and was beloved by her students and colleagues alike.

In her free time, Louise enjoyed gardening, sewing, and travelling with her husband, James Askew. She was an active member of her church, and volunteered for several local charities, including the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, James, and her siblings: John Jr., Mary Johnson, Ruth Davis, and Dorothy Lee. She is survived by her two children, Doris and Ola May; 10 grandchildren, Oscar, Lisa, Keturah, Gregory, Arnold, Deborah, Miriam, Christopher, Michael, and Angela; and 18 great-grandchildren, Angel, Adrian, Trevon, Johnathan, David, Taniyah, Damian, Elijah, Gregory, Christopher, Everett, Camya, Joshua, Tikia, Gloria, Ciara, Alexis, and Jade.

A funeral service for Louise will be held on January 28, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Louise's name to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association.

Louise will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was a kind and generous soul, and her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the lives of those she touched.