The Rev. Michael Perry Askew

   The Reverend Michael Perry Askew, Sr., 61, of 257A Old Swamp Road, South Mills, NC, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 in his home.

   Born on February 16, 1955 in Norfolk, VA, he was the son of the late Kenneth A., Sr. and Ollie Marie Roberson Askew.  While working in management at Courtesy Ford in Elizabeth City in early 2000, Mike received God’s call to serve in the ministry. A graduate of Duke Divinity School, he served as pastor of Center Hill United Methodist Church, and later the North Gates Charge, which included Kittrell’s, Savage’s, and Parker’s United Methodist Churches.  Presently he had been called back to Center Hill UMC and was serving there at the time of his death.  Other areas of service included the Kairos Prison Ministry, the Albemarle Emmaus Community, the United Methodist Men, work with the Albemarle Food Bank, and his charter membership in the Rocky Hock Lions Club.

   Surviving are his wife of 27 years, Cindy Jones Askew; two daughters, Angela Wood and husband Jeremy of Camden and Meaghan Allen of South Mills; four sons, Justin Askew of Virginia Beach, Matthew Askew and fiancé Maria Cohen of New Port Richey, FL, Jonathan Askew and wife Ashley of Virginia Beach, and Michael P. Askew, Jr. and friend Anna Kitchin of Elizabeth City; a brother, Kenneth A. Askew, Jr. and wife Deborah of Suffolk, VA; and ten grandchildren, Gavin, Jordan, Angela, Nicolas, Ashlyn, Taylor, Mason, Colton, Evan, and Harper Grace.

   A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in Trinity United Methodist Church, 104 Main Street, South Mills, and will be officiated by longtime family friend, The Rev. Greg Barrick.  Friends may join the family in the social hall immediately following the service, and other times at the residence.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Duke Cancer Institute, 710 W. Main Street, Durham, NC  27701.

   Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.