Mrs. Thelma Powell Askew was born September 28, 1940 in Valdosta, GA to the late Eli and Viney Powell.

Thelma was a proud graduate of Pinevale High School Class of 1958. She received Christ at an early age and was a member of Union Baptist Church in Valdosta. Later, she was one of the original members of Day Spring Baptist Church under the leadership and founder, Rev. J.H. Saunders. She was a faithful member, deaconess and usher at Day Spring Baptist Church was often called on to recite ‘The Creation.”

Thelma matriculated through Albany State College. She worked at the Owens Illinois Paper Mill in Clyattville, GA where she retired. She also worked for six years at the Georgia Pecan Factory. After retiring from work, Thelma worked for Stevens Funeral Home as a Lady Attendant and always gave loving and supportive acknowledgements to the families that she served. She loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit Jerusalem.

Thelma was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister and aunt who was dedicated to her family. The love that she had enriched everyone who knew her. She was blessed to see five generations of family. Thelma’s beautiful smile would always illuminate a room. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, siblings, other relatives and friends.

On Monday, May 3, 2021, Thelma was called to a place of peace and eternal rest in Albany, GA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Askew, Sr.; one son, Charles Askew, Jr., one sister, Lille Bell Powell; one brother, Eli Powell, Jr.

Thelma leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Tannis Askew Colson (Charles) of Tallahassee, FL and Katherine Askew Spraggins (Steven) of Albany, GA; one daughter-in-law, Louise Askew of Valdosta, GA; five grandchildren, Rhonda Askew of Valdosta, GA, Latonya Askew of Valdosta, GA, Arthur Bennett, Jr. of Crestview, FL, Charles Askew, III (Shavonne) of Crestview, FL and Felicia Askew of Valdosta, GA; seven bonus grandchildren, Shonda Darius (Mike), Mooreese Colson, Monique Colson, Angelica Colson, Matthew Spraggins, Phillip Spraggins and Markus Spraggins; fourteen great grandchildren, Tannis Collins, Tamarius Askew, Sr., Maceo Duncan, Jr., Tavares Askew, Keaton Bennett, Kaiden Bennett, Eva Askew, Henry Sermons, Jr., Jabari Barron, Ansleigh Askew, Karson Bennett, Charlen Askew, Layla Bennett and Chandler Harris; three great grandchildren, Tamairus Askew, Jr., Journey McCaskill and Kaleb Askew; one brother, Warren Powell of Macon, GA; two sisters, Ollie Kinchen of Baton Rouge, LA and Carletha Leonard (R.C.) of Milledgeville, GA; the Pinevale High School Class of 1958, the Day Spring Baptist Church and the Stevens Funeral Home Staff; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A special thanks to Shay Washington and the Dougherty County Hospice Staff and immense praise to Mrs. Janice Roy who sat with Mrs. Askew daily.

The celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 12:00 Noon on the grounds of Day Spring Baptist Church, 615 Dasher Lane, Valdosta, GA 31601. Pastor Phillip Corker, officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Public viewing will be held Friday, May 7, 2021 from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

We solicit your prayers for The ASKEW Family.

Due to COVID-19, Stevens Funeral Home will be enforcing social distancing and following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. We ask that anyone entering the building and attending any funeral events to please wear a mask.

Stevens Funeral Home of Valdosta serving The ASKEW family with care, compassion, love and uncompromising dignity.