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.
We grew up together on the southside of Valdosta with Ms. Thelma being two grades ahead of myself and her sister Carleatha. Even today, I chuckle when I think of how Ms. Thelma would say to me, "You are a nice person if anybody can ever get to know you..." Rest in Peace, my sister in Christ. Condolences to the family. (Rosa Moore-Jordan, M.A. Rel. (Honors)
Family,
Thelma was a shinning star that guided us through the night to the break of day in the east. She is with us always. Thomas D. Stafford and Family
Heartfelt sympathy for family
Deepest Sympathy!Sorry For Your Loss! Shay Washington
Mama Thelma Askew will never be gone from my heart or mind... She is truly one of the Mothers who helped to raise me... if my Mama or Aunties were not around, you best believe Thelma Askew filled in for them... I will be forever grateful for her loving & caring heart & beautiful smile. Hold Yall Heads Up in Pride & Joy, She just moved to Her New Home in Glory... and She Has Earned Her Rest. Tanis, Fefe & Family... Me & Jackie pray your strength and encourage you all to keep on Praising & Thanking God for your Mama... His Will Grant You The Peace You Need Today & Days To Come! Tim & Jackie Willis - Houston TX
I served Mrs Thelma many years while she was a customer of BOA bank.Mrs Thelma was always pleasant and kind. I pray the Lord will grant your family strength during these times .
We are praying for you, celebrating with you, and remembering Sister Askew's infectious laugh & beautiful smile. Cleon, Sabrina, and Nia McKnight - Dallas, TX
Peace, comfort and blessing to the family from your United Holiness Church family! Americus, GA
To my sisters Tannis& Phe words cannot express the love that I have for you you all, and your family. Ms.Thelma was another mother. She provided care for so many of us VSH band members, and I for one will never forget her. May she forever RIP!! Dr. Cheryl L Perry-Denegall, Macon, GA
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family. Carla Robinson
The Askew Family: Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as the family celebrate a life well lived.
She was beacon in our neighborhood for over 40 years.
We will always remember your mother fondly as a strong , hard worker who had a big smile and laughs and cared deeply for her family. She will truly be missed.
Lucille Robinson Leslie Robinson Jr. Sonja Robinson
Tannis, Katherine & family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember you mom as one of my many band parents. Sending prayers & words of comfort during this difficult time.
My thoughts are with you during your time of mourning. May you find peace and comfort in the memories of your loved one.
Lynne Howell
With deepest sympathy to the family
She was a nice and humble person
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.