Ella Gertrude (Corbett) Askew

On Saturday, July 29, 2023, Ella Gertrude (Corbett) Askew earned her heavenly wings after a prolonged illness. 

Ella was the 14th child of Burrie “Doc” Corbett and Nannie (née Pinnix) Corbett born on July 27, 1929 in Orange County. Affectionately known as “Gertrue” or “Gert” to close family and friends she was a loving mother as well as an ardent and lifelong educator.

Ella earned her Bachelors degree in Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University where she met her future husband William Edward Askew. Upon graduating college Ella’s first teaching job was at the Cedar Grove School in Mebane, NC. When Ella and William married she became the wife of an army officer whose military career path required moving abroad. The couple lived in Germany and Kansas. She resumed her teaching career which spanned two states and lasted over 35 years. After retiring from North Graham Elementary school in 1993, she continued teaching and tutored children in her home as well as served as a Sunday school teacher well into her retirement. While she was an active member in Lee’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and in her community, Ella’s foremost focus was always her children, grandchildren and extended family. She was a champion of the Corbett family legacy. 

Ella made her home in Cedar Grove, NC. She was a loving parent and grandmother to three children, William Edward Askew, II, Vertelia Seda Askew-Thomas (Keith) and Consuella Hutton (Mark) and three grandchildren, Kyle Thomas, Kacie Crawford (Joshua), and Evan Hutton. She is survived by one sister, Rose Scnobia Taylor (Jerry) of Mebane and a host of family and friends. 

She was the wind in our sails and the anchor during our storms. Rest in His safety dear mother your peace is well deserved.

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