Askren, Anne

ASKREN (COLWELL), Anne Elizabeth

Anne Elizabeth Colwell Askren, a native of Atlanta, died Saturday, September 11, 2021, of complications from pneumonia. She was 93.

The oldest child of Annette Carter Colwell and Ernest Cadman Colwell, Mrs. Askren spent her growing years at the University of Chicago, where her father served as Divinity School dean and as university president.

After graduating from the University of Chicago, Ms. Colwell attended State University of Iowa to study music performance, but a case of polio prevented her finishing the program. Later she studied abroad at L'Université de Grenoble in France. She moved in 1951 to Decatur, GA, where her father served as dean of the faculty and vice-president at Emory University.

At Emory, Ms. Colwell earned her master's degree in French and afterwards taught French at the Westminster Schools in Atlanta. She left teaching after marriage to Edward L. Askren III to devote her attention to raising her six children. She was confirmed at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, where she worked as secretary and sang in the choir. Later she worked as a regional copywriter for Scott, Foresman & Co. Mrs. Askren also sang with the Festival Singers of Atlanta. She enjoyed retirement living in Stone Mountain and Athens, GA.

Anne Askren is survived by three sons, two daughters, and eleven grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for November 3, 2021 at Mountain Park United Methodist Church, 1405 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain, the Rev. Ellynda Lipsey, presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online to Athens Community Council on Aging Meals on Wheels Program at accaging.org or by mail to 135 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA 30601.

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