House Resolution 39

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF MRS. SHERYL SMITH ASKEW AND EXPRESSING SINCEREST SYMPATHY UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Sheryl Smith Askew, the great Christian matriarch of the Askew family, departed this earthly life to be in the presence of the Lord on January 30, 2022, at the age of 72, bringing sorrow to her family, church family and friends; and

WHEREAS, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, Mrs. Askew was born on November 11, 1949, to her parents, PG and Jean Q. Smith, and was reared in love; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Askew moved to Newton, Mississippi, in 1965 and in 1968, she graduated from Newton High School where she remained in contact with many of her fellow high school classmates; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from high school, Mrs. Askew, who knew the importance of continuing her education, attended Mississippi State University and earned a bachelor of science degree, a master's degree in education and an education specialist degree in elementary education, which is a testament of the dedication that she had to her chosen field of education; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Askew, who had a dynamic teaching career that positively touched hundreds of young lives, taught first and second graders at Kosciusko Elementary School, Starkville Overstreet Elementary and Sudduth Elementary, before retiring in 2002; and

WHEREAS, a woman of many talents, Mrs. Askew had a passion for traveling, making beautiful designs with her quilting as well as following her alma mater's athletic teams, MSU, and as the matriarch of her family, she also enjoyed spending time with her son and family in Texas, especially her grandsons who were the joys of her life; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Askew was not only a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she was a Christian who was formerly a member of Jackson Ridgecrest Baptist and Newton First Baptist before joining First Baptist Starkville; and

WHEREAS, as an active member of First Baptist Starkville, Mrs. Askew loved her church family and especially enjoyed her membership in the Friendship Sunday School class where she reveled in the fellowship, prayer, accountability and the studying of God's word with her fellow class members; and

WHEREAS, the memories of Mrs. Askew will continue to flourish in the hearts and minds of her survivors, some of whom include: her loving husband of 48 years, Joe; their son, Trey; daughter-in-law, Shanna; grandchildren, Cameron and Eli; and a brother, Dan; all of whom will forever cherish the pearls of wisdom she so freely shared throughout her 72 years of blessed life; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the life of a fine Mississippian such as Mrs. Sheryl S. Askew, whose positive impact in the field of education and her love for her family and church will be treasured by those who knew her for generations to come:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy and contributions of Mrs. Sheryl Smith Askew and express sincerest sympathy upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Sheryl Smith Askew and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.