OBITUARY

Shirley Askew-Tookes

December 18, 1951 – December 24, 2020

Shirley Tookes was born in Atlanta Georgia, On December 18th, 1951. Shirley was the daughter of Rufus and Mary Jean Askew. She is the sister to her only sibling Reginald Askew, as a child Shirley grew up in the Summerville section of Atlanta, GA. As a adolescent and teenager, she was educated by the schools of Fulton County. She was an extremely proud graduate of Booker T Washington High School, class of 1970.

In 1990, Shirley, along with her then two young children, moved to Rochester, NY. As she resided her family in Rochester, she was able to make everlasting relationships that would last a lifetime. There she worked as an educator for ABC Head start. It was in this position that she would go on to inspire, role model and touch the lives of many families. In Rochester, she was a member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church for over 20 years. Shirley loved giving her support to her community. In Rochester she volunteered for the red cross, clothing drives and charity walks. Shirley was a giver countless times she would offer shelter, clothing, money and food to complete strangers who she felt “GOD has put it in her heart to help”. Although she made many memories in New York, Shirley was a Georgia girl at heart.

In 2006, Shirley relocated back “home” (as she would say). In Atlanta, she was able to reconnect with family and friends and continued to volunteer her time for others. She was a very proud member of Mount Zion Church, where she so eloquently served as an Usher. It was as an Usher that she found the most pride While in Georgia, Shirley would continue to serve and volunteer for several local organizations.

Shirley is survived by her two loving children: daughter Elshamika A. Tookes-Rea (Garrick) Lithonia, GA, and son Zequa D Tookes, Rochester, NY. She is the sister to her brother Reginald Askew, the grandmother of three grandchildren, Savannah Clark, Lithonia, GA, Zahmar Tookes, Rochester, NY, Zoe Tookes, Rochester, NY and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends. Shirley was loved!

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Shirley Askew-Tookes

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Wanda Jihnson

January 3, 2021

Shirley girl I’m gonna miss you. You were my refuge you were someone I could talk to with no one else would listen I hate that I didn’t know about your passing till today but I love you and I know that you’re going to be so much better girl. We had some good times and you were always there for me always and you knew that if there was anything you needed anything you want it I would be there for you . Shirley I miss you already and I’m gonna miss you every day for the rest of my life because I love you so much may God bless you and your family.

Brenda Ficklin Anderson

January 1, 2021

My name is Brenda Ficklin- Anderson
My friend Shirley will be sadly missed we've been friends for a long time from when I too was a student at Washington High I relocated to Rochester New York and shortly afterwards Shirley relocated as well to New York we was there for many years then we both moved back to Georgia I love her like a sister I'm truly missing her but I know God loved her more.
To God be the glory I pray strength for her family God bless.

Stacy Green

January 1, 2021

Greetings,

Ms . Shirley was my downstairs neighbor...she invited me into her lovely apartment...she had the chill out room...so I copied her and made my own chill out room too lol....she got me watching The Haves and Have nots with her and she introduced me to a great Stella Black lol..we would just chill and laugh and talk about how CRAZY that Veronica character on the show was...gonna miss my neighbor..Rest well darling... May God wrap his loving arms around the family of Ms Shirley.

milton amey

December 31, 2020

May The Lord's hands of compassion and love and His guiding light from above, shine down upon you and give you strength during this time of sorrow.
May you find comfort in knowing that your friends share your loss.

Love Always
The Amey Family

Wilhelmenia Daniel

December 31, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss please continue to know God is a in the business of comfort and healing condolences to the family!!

BTW Class of 1970

December 31, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. You have our condolences.

Elder Melvin Allen Tukes

December 31, 2020

Shirley was a sweetheart. I called her a cousin. She will sorely be missed.

Crystal Paul

December 30, 2020

Shirley was my friend/auntie/mom. I met her being her property manager at her place of living. She would always make my coffee in the morning and we ate lunch every day as well. When I moved to another property, we stayed in touch but this year I was able to see her again and spend her last days with her! Little did I know her birthday would be the last day I would see her. I am going to miss my Shirley!! I know she is with the Lord because she loved him! I pray for strength and peace for the family in this trying time! Only time will heal! Lord I will miss my friend/auntie/mom!!

Betty Humphrey Borders

December 30, 2020

Shirley and I were good friends growing up and we went thru some of life’s challenges together. I will miss our times but I will always have memories. Family you have my condolences. Rest In Peace my friend. 🌹🌹🌹🌹💋

Stanley Atwater

December 30, 2020

As a classmate of Shirley, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family. May God give you the strength to remember the good times with Shirley. We will keep you in our prayers.

FROM THE FAMILY