Renee Tracy Askew

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10

Renee Tracy Askew was born on October 18, 1961 in Brooklyn, NY bringing joy to her parents Howard Askew and the Late Hazel Ruth Askew. Renee was raised and nurtured along with her siblings Janice, Dwight and Thaddeus by Mom Hazel and Mom Bert. She graduated from St. Edmund's High School class of 1979. Renee excelled in her studies and attended Howard University and SUNY College at Old Westbury class of 1992. Having a passion to help others, and motivated by her work as a social worker at the Department of Social Services in Durham, NC, Renee went on to further her studies at the UNC Chapel Hill. She obtained her Masters in Social Work from UNC Chapel Hill, NC in 2002. Renee was an accomplished social worker reflecting her studies and training at UNCand Duke University.

Renee was particularly interested and skilled at working with woman struggling with addiction and was effective at helping her clients recover and restore their relationships with their children. She was fortunate in her career to work in mental health agencies in North Carolina and Virginia. Renee lent her skills and expertise to several agencies during her career as a social worker, and was employed at Richmond Behavioral Health at time of her death. In addition to career in social work, she was also committed to mentoring and educating the next generation of social workers. Renee also served as an adjunct faculty at Shaw University. She was also active in the National Association of Black Social Workers and its local Richmond, VA chapter.

Renee loved the Lord. She was raised Catholic and later converted to Baptist. While residing in Durham, she was an active member of White Rock Baptist church involved in the Women's Fellowship, Sunday School and served as a Girl Scout Troop leader. Upon relocating to the Richmond area in 2013, she joined St Paul's Baptist and was an active member in Barnabas Counseling Ministry and the Encore Life Stage group

Renee to some and Tracy to others was not only an accomplished professional, but a person loved life Renee was full of laughter and positive energy! Indeed an example to us to live each day to its fullest.

Renee is survived by her father, Howard Askew, sister Janice, brothers Dwight (Renee) Backus and Thaddeus (Rosa) Backus, two Aunts, host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and her beloved pets Sage and Zola, goddaughter, Sara Barr and special friends - Jack Archer, Arline Bohannon and Malissa Short.

A celebration of life will be Friday, July 29, 2022 St. Paul's Baptist Church Creighton Road Campus at 1:00PM. Viewing one hour prior to service. Interment Greenfield Cemetery, New York .