Kathleen Benane Askew
May 3, 1962 – May 16, 2026
ZEBULON – Kathleen Benane Askew, 64, of Zebulon, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
She was born on May 3, 1962, in Norwich, NY, a daughter of the late John Stephens Benane and Patricia Hendrickson Benane. She worked as a Radiologic Technologist for WakeMed for over 42 years, where she received the Pyramid Society Award for her exceptional dedication and service. She loved to travel and spend time with her family. She was a member of The Summit Church, Knightdale Campus.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her loving husband, Elton Jesse Askew; a son, Daniel Askew Falk (Benjamin); a daughter, Emily Grace Morillo (Nicolas); a grandson, Logan Falk; three sisters, Tracey Renaud (Paul), Shelly Deters (Vince), and Marcia Coveney (Jim); and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her father, she was predeceased by a brother, Gordon Benane.
A Funeral Service will held on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with visitation prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Interment will follow the service in Greenmount Cemetery, Wendell, NC.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, at https://www.heart.org/
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com




19 Comments
I am at a loss for words. My condolences to Jesse, her children, Mrs Benane and her sisters. Kathy and I met in high school. We quickly became friends. We started the Radiology program at Wake Tech together. However, i chose to quit and get married. She was my maid of honor. We lost touch over the years, but i will always have my fond memories of our shenanigans and fun times together. Uplifting the family in prayer for peace and comfort. LOVE and HUGS to all.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I didn’t know your mom personally, but our paths have crossed in High School, Wake Med and out about socially. She always had a smile on her face and was always very kind to everyone. She had such a contagious laugh and remarkable personality.
God will wrap his arms around you and give you the Peace that only he can give during this difficult season. I will be praying for you and your family during this time.
Prayers for all of Kathy’s family. She was one of the sweetest people I know. She was always so caring and nice to talk to from daycare and then to dance classes and recitals. Treasure all of the memories you have and prayers for comfort and strength in the days ahead for all of you.
Anita and Daryl Hales
I am so saddened to hear the news of Kathy’s passing. We worked together for several years and I always enjoyed every minute of it. She was an excellent X Ray tech and treated all her patients with respect and kindness. I will miss her my prayers, go out to her family and friends rest in peace, my dear friend.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Kathy was a dear childhood friend.
I’m at a loss for words.
My condolences to her mom, sister, jesse and family.
Kathy excelled in academics which led me to follow her to Wale Tech to study Radiology. Well, I quit to get married at which she was my maid of honor. I will cherish my memories we made forever
Love, hugs and prayers to her family and friends. God speed sweet lady.
Oh Kathy….just the sharpest of all cousins! We appreciate you coming to Katie &Marks wedding and bringing the family with you.We thought there would be time to visit again. Sadness 😔
Jesse my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time, may your memories fill your soul.
I’m so sorry to hear about her passing, Pat her mother is a dear neighbor and member of the quilting bee I belong to. My condolences to her husband, children and rest of the family
Kathy was a sweet, caring childhood friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. Rest easy my friend.
Kathy was a beautiful soul who raise a wonderful daughter, Emily! Holding you all in prayer as you grieve this terrible loss. Peace be with you all. Sending love your way!💔
Our condolences to the family of Kathy Askew. Kathy and Jesse were the first people to welcome us to our new home when we moved to Durham.
Great neighbors.
To the family and friends,
No words can truly ease the pain of losing someone so loved, I am just a very old friend who had the privilege to work with Kathy. I hope you can find comfort in knowing how deeply she touched the lives of so many people. She was a kind, beautiful soul whose presence brought warmth, laughter, and love wherever she went.
In moments like these, the pain can feel unbearable, and the silence left behind can seem overwhelming. But even though she is no longer physically with us, the love she gave and the memories she created will never fade.
For the friends I know are present in this difficult time I hope you find the strength in the love surrounding you, peace in the memories , and comfort in knowing that she was truly cherished by so many.
Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Ricardo Garde
The church family of Wakefield Central Baptist Church send their loving condolences to Jesse and the family as they grieve the unexpected home-going of Kathy. May the Lord bring comfort as only He can as you journey through this difficult time together. May Kathy’s memory be a blessing to all who knew her. Our prayers are with each of you as we hold our memories of Kathy and the family close.
My Condolences to family and friends,
My deepest condolences during this difficult time. May the memories bring comfort and peace to you and your family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I worked with Kathy for many years at WakeMed Brier Creek. She and I helped with the opening of Brier Creek Healthplex. She was kind to me from day one. She was always smiling and eager to be helpful in any way. She will be missed.
I worked with Kathy at Wake Med Zebulon we were like one big happy family she was kind and compassionate with her patients. To Jesse and Family just know absent from the body present with the Lord. She went from labor to reward!!!
My heartfelt condolences to the family. Kathy was one of my very best friends throughout elementary, middle and high school. I loved her dearly. May you all find peace in your memories of her.
My prayers go out to your family so sorry for your loss
I worked with Kathy at WakeMed Zebulon. She was an important and dedicated member of our Zebulon work family. She was most accurate and caring in her work. Although getting an x-ray after a fall can be painful she was accomplished in minimizing discomfort for any patient in her care.
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