RICH SQUARE – Mrs. Betty Lou Askew Barnes, age 72, of Rich Square passed away Sunday, February 10, 2013. Betty Lou was born March 16, 1940, the fifth child out of seven born to her parents, the late Clinton and Pattie Askew. She was also predeceased by her brothers, James and Gilbert Askew; and sisters, Elizabeth Ann Askew, Sarah Leigh Askew Nelson and Patricia Askew Crew.

She came from a good Christian family and home, always respected her parents and others. Being raised on a farm, she knew what hard work was. After her brothers left home, she had to do work that men normally would do.  She drove a tractor, walked behind a mule many-a-day, helped the peanut pickers and other things too numerous to mention. She definitely knew what hard work was.

After graduating from Rich Square High School in 1959, she attended Chowan College and received her degree in Secretarial Science. While attending Chowan College she began her work as a Legal Secretary and held this position for forty eight years and completely retired from this position September 22, 2004.

Betty Lou attended Lasker Baptist Church from a baby on up and joined the church at age 16 and always has been active in church work. She was very dedicated to her church and held many positions, such as Chairperson of the Deacons, Treasurer, Church Clerk and Secretary; was a member of the choir, Assistant Acteen Leader, and Women on Missions Leader.

She served on the Board of Directors for the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce and served as Secretary for the Board for seven years. She was a Shrinette and served as President for two years. She was secretary for almost every organization she was involved in. You could always depend on Betty Lou if you wanted something done and sometimes she would go beyond her call of duty to help people. She was a hard worker and took pride in what she did.

Betty Lou’s final words to all of you who still are fortunate  enough to have family members still living would be to hold on to them, love them for as long as you can and count your blessings that you have them.

Survivors include her husband of fifty years, Talmadge Barnes; her sister, Sophia Askew Curtis of Raleigh, and several nieces and nephews, Michael, Tommy, Dennis, Edward Lee, Rebecca, Patsy, Gilbert  Jr., Connie, and Diane.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Lasker Baptist Church with the Rev. Ricky Barnes officiating.  Burial will follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square.

The family will receive friends at Massey Funeral Home, Jackson, on Tuesday, February 12 from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lasker Baptist Church.