Virginia Askew

Virginia Willetta Askew, 82, of Jackson died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004, at Monticello House in Jackson.

She was born Dec. 7, 1921, in Burfordville, daughter of Dennis A. and Carrie Z. Helderman. She and Beaven J. Askew were married July 20, 1946, in Mississippi County, Ark. He died Oct. 28, 1978.

Askew was a graduate of the former Patton High School. She was employed in the Rosie the Riveter work force at the small arms plant in St. Louis during World War II. She was later a psychiatric technician at Pacific State Hospital of California. She was a member of Whitewater Methodist Church and its United Methodist Women, and Star Homemakers Club at Crump.

Survivors include a son, Michael Askew of California; two stepsons, James and David Askew of Marion, Ill.; a stepdaughter, Marilyn Edmondson of Marion; two sisters, Oma Hedge of Labadie, Mo., Wanda McElreath of Burfordville; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a grandson and two brothers.

Friends may call from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Mount Pleasant Cemetery near Marion.