Lawrence Leland Askew "La"

God has whispered in my ear throughout my journey here on earth; through my tears of joy and as I cried, wincing from pain, He guided me to be strong and protect others. Now, my dear father has tapped me on my shoulder and said, “Son it’s time to come home.” Lawrence Leland Askew, known to many as "LA", passed away on Friday, December 8, 2017 at his residence. Age 50 years.

Lawrence was a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor John Williams. He was a graduate of Ruben Daniels Lifelong Learning Center and was employed by Meijer Inc. and ABM for many years. Lawrence took great pleasure in “chilling” with his family and friends. He loved jazz music, TV trivia, cooking his favorite meals, and his little cat, Blackie. Lawrence had a very big heart for such a “little” man, and would give anyone the shirt off his back. He will be truly missed all who knew and loved him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Thomas L. and Sally Askew; wife, LaFrances Haynes Askew; son, Lawrence L. Askew-Mayes; stepdaughter, DeAngela Gulley; siblings Carrie F. Askew, Thomas L. Askew, Jr., Saginaw, Michigan; Jill R. (Leon) Green-Beemon, Cheryl Denise Moye’, Sherri Ragland, all of Georgia; Toni Askew, Alma, Denise Nickleberry, Tonya (James) Jones, Sara (Steve) Jones, Priscilla (Terry) Rockett, Elizabeth Cheatham, Saginaw, Michigan; Karen Lowery and Travis (Christa) Jones, Bay City, Michigan; three aunts, Peggie Prince, Sarah Canty, and Dazarene Macklin, Saginaw, Michigan; three uncles, George (Bernice) Williams, Indiana, Ronnie (Debra) Askew, Saginaw, Michigan, and John L. Williams, Bay City, Michigan; great-aunt, Delia Smith-Nichols; two grandchildren, Zattani Owens and Dijon Duncan Jr.; special nieces, SaLaya and Paris Askew, Brooklyn Hayes, Kayla R. Green, Shaquarra Askew-Feagin, Taniqua McClain, Tamia Jones and De'Sha R. Beemon; nephews, Robert E. Askew, Shondell Askew and Eric Frazier, Torrey and Korey Rhodes, Thomas L. Askew III; special friends, Ian Anderson, Anthony and Donald Wilford, Charles Jones, William Green, Douglas Barnes, Bennie Babers,Joey Jones and Leon Williams; a very special companion Mattie Ketrena Davis; many other relatives and friends.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lola Williams, Carrie Lawson, Evelyn and Lorenzo Collins, and Woodrow Askew; siblings, Martin Lowery and Emma Sanders.

The family would like to express their grateful appreciation to the TTI employees of SCCMHA Grayson, Joel and Lynette for all their support.