Georgia Jean Askew

Georgia Jean Askew (née Rufus) was born December 2, 1933 in Haywood County, Tennessee to Houston Henry and Cora Lee Rufus. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son, Kevin L. Rufus; siblings, Valvasti Williams and Suzetta Franklin and sister-inlaw, Williemae McCoy. Jean professed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age. She attended St. John’s Methodist Church and later Prospect Baptist Church in Stanton, Tennessee. When her family moved to Saint Louis in 1943, she joined Mt. Airy Baptist Church. She never forgot where she came from and always attended the annual Rufus Family Reunion, where she would reunite with her uncles, aunts and cousins, Geneva, Louise, Doris, Teddy and William “Plick”, who were more like siblings. Jean was educated in the Saint Louis Public School System and attended Vashon High School. Her spiritual journey led her to various churches before she found her permanent church home in 1991 at West Side Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Bobo, Sr. She served with devotion as a Sunday School Teacher and in the Outreach Ministry until her health declined. Passionate about lifelong learning, she often attended Howard Thurman Bible Classes and deeply cherished the members of her Sunday Morning Bible Class #4. As a devoted mother, Jean raised her children—Val, Kevin, Alexis, and Melanie—with unwavering love and dedication. She instilled in them the values of faith, education, discipline and love, ensuring they excelled academically and embraced their faith in Jesus Christ. She was an avid reader, drawn especially to biblical studies, historical accounts of slavery and the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Her love of learning translated into spirited debates and discussions at family gatherings, where she sought both to challenge and educate. Jean held numerous jobs during her youth. She was later employed at the U.S. Post Office in the early sixties and provided twenty-eight years of dedicated service. After retirement, she became a sales clerk at her favorite department store, Famous Barr (later Macy’s), for about ten years before fully retiring. Jean always extended love to her nieces, nephews and neighborhood children. She opened her home to family and acquaintances who needed the stability and security of a loving home. She loved family gatherings and had a comedic side that she freely shared, always enjoying a good laugh. Jean’s talent in the kitchen made her home a place of warmth. She welcomed family members to their favorite dishes, from turkey and dressing, greens, sweet potato pie, lemon meringue pie, chocolate cake and homemade ice cream. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures like a good cup of coffee, reading the daily paper, solving crossword puzzles, playing solitaire on her tablet, and watching Jeopardy! and Cops. She loved fishing and traveling. A cherished member of the Whistsette’s (Bid Whist Card Club) since the 1960s, she enjoyed a weekly tradition of competitive card games and these ladies were like family to her. She considered herself one of the best players around and was always up for a challenge. Generous beyond measure, Jean often helped others anonymously, offering support and kindness without seeking recognition. She embodied a giving spirit, while seeking to make a difference in quiet, profound ways. She is survived by: her children ~ Val F. Rufus (Toni), Alexis Glenn Johnson (Earlest) and Melanie A. Calhoun; her sister ~ Julia Jones; her brothers ~ Louis and Houston (aka Moosie) Rufus; her grandchildren ~ Victoria Cooper, Corey Walls, Monica Boswell, Douglas Askew, Kyna Rufus, Melanie (Jeffery) Clark, Christopher Rufus, Kevin (Porsha) Rufus, Alexis Calhoun, and Drew Glenn. She is also survived by a host of nephews ~ Valvasti Williams, Jr., Gregory S. Miller, Sr., Marshall, Donnell and Desmond Jones, and David Franklin; nieces ~ Adrienne Yoshino, Bretta Calhoun, Shari McWain, Rosalyn Holiday, Allison Miller, Kim Jones and Ashaki Boone. Jean had many great grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her nephews, Diallobe Marshall, Reginald Williams and Eric L. Jones and niece, Corriene Miller-Young. Jean was dearly loved by her close friends, Gladys Jones, Pauline Jones, Rev. Moses Townsend, Sallie Titus, Emma Edwards and Wilma Crousby. Her compassionate caregivers, Allison Latimore Liner and Tiara Lockett, along with her son-in-law, Earlest Johnson, lovingly cared for her and the family extends heartfelt gratitude to them. Jean was a woman of faith, love, and resilience—a blessing to all who knew her. Her faith, strength and generosity have left a lasting impression on our hearts. Today, as we say our goodbyes, we find comfort in knowing that she now rests in the arms of the Lord, reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her. Her commitment to faith and teaching impacted many lives, a testament to her deep belief in Jesus Christ. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit continues to live on in our hearts and memories.

Tributes

Georgia Jean Askew

December 2, 1933 - January 23, 2025