Dorothy Askew

Dorothy Maria Askew VIRGINIA BEACH - On Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2010 the God of wisdom, reached into our midst and called our beloved Dorothy Maria (Gatling) Askew to eternal rest in His Heavenly Kingdom, granting her peace and serenity she so deserved. Dorothy was born Jan. 9, 1919 in Enfield, N.C., to the late Worldly David Gatling and Lillie Marie Sharpe Gatling. At an early age Dorothy joined Harrellsville Chapel Baptist Church, Harrellsville, N.C., and later relocated to Norfolk, where she united with Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, faithfully and diligently serving in the John R. Riddick Senior Citizens and Area Council Missionary Ministries. Dorothy graduated from C.S. Brown High School and attended Elizabeth City State University, formerly Elizabeth City Teachers College. A longtime resident of Norfolk, she was employed in the Dietary Department with the Norfolk Public Schools until her health required early retirement. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her faithful and beloved children, four daughters, Carolyn L. (Oscar) Whittaker, Thirkell Wright, Doretha (Rita) Askew and Mary J. (Lawrence) Winfield; four sons, Wallace E. (Cynthia) Askew, Thomas C. (Christine) Askew, Gerald L. Askew and William A. Askew; one brother, Ralph W. (Gloria) Gatling; 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, William E. Askew; two sons, Frizell Askew and Horace E. Askew; a sister, Mary L. Gatling; four brothers, Worldly D. Gatling Jr., James Gatling, Thomas Gatling, Willie Herbert Gatling; and two grandsons, Jonathan Green and Cameron Epperson. The family appreciates the care and invaluable resources provided by Dr. Maryam Nowroozi (Bon Secours DePaul) and the staff of Heartland Hospice Care who tended to her with kindness. A celebration of Dorothy's life, legacy and lasting spirit will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, 1057 Kennedy St., Norfolk with Dr. Shelton Murphy, Pastor officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Norfolk. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Metropolitan Funeral Service, Granby St. Chapel. Condolences may be offered at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.