Deaconess Vivian Smith Askew, 74, wife of Deacon Bennie C. Askew Sr. of Aliquippa, Pa., passed away Monday, April 20, 2009, at her residence.

A native of Gaffney, she was the daughter of the late Crawley Smith Sr. and the late Nellie W. Smith. At an early age, she joined Ebenezer Baptist Church. She later moved to Aliquippa, Pa., where she joined Bethel Baptist Church. There she served as a Deaconess and she also spearheaded many committees.

She leaves to cherish fond memories, her husband Bennie C. Askew of the home; four daughters, Sandra Stewart of Pittsburgh, Pa., Belinda Howe (Donald) of New Jersey, Brenda Coleman (Eddie) of Pennsylvania and Janice Askew of Concord, N.C.; two sons, Bennie C. Askew Jr. of Boston, Mass., Craig Askew of Alexandra, Va.; a grandson, Jason Stewart, who was reared in the home; eight sisters, Alice Smith, Feroline Dukes, Virginia Good, Velma Rawlison, Dorothy Humphries, Daisy Foster, Doris Buckson and Nellie Elmore, all of Gaffney; three brothers, Crawley Smith Jr., James W. Smith and Charlie Foster, all of Gaffney; seven grandchildren; three brothers-in-law, David Askew, Jerome Askew and David Nichols; four sisters in-law, Olivia Smith, Ruby Askew, Debra Askew and Ida Askew; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Askew was preceded in death by a sister, Daisy Nichols, and grandparents, Boyce and Daisy Wilkins.

Services will be held Friday, April 24, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements by Gooden and Browns Funeral Home, 214 5th Ave., Aliquippa, Pa. 15001.