Leisa Graves Askew

Leisa Graves Askew, 57, of Opelika, Alabama, was born November 29th, 1967, and passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Leisa dedicated her career to serving others as a social worker, touching countless lives through her compassion and commitment to helping those in need. Her work in the field reflected her deep caring for her community and her unwavering belief in the dignity of every person she served. She was a member of the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners and obtained many accomplishments including becoming a Certified Dementia Capable Care Instructor(CPI DCC), had affiliations including Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners Board Chair, Auburn University OLLI faculty, National Association of Social Work Board, and other numerous awards.

Leisa is survived by her brother, David Askew (wife Paula); nephews, Alexander Calloway Askew and Granger Patton Askew; close friends, Becky Martin, Leah Martin, and Elizabeth Copous (husband Dale and son Russell); and her beloved first cousins and many special friends. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Abby, her loving companion for years who never left her side.

Leisa was a 1986 graduate of Opelika High School, and earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Auburn University. Leisa retired from Lee-Russell Council of Governments on May 9, 2025, after nearly 24 years of service. Leisa was an avid supporter of animal rescues, often homing them herself. Leisa enjoyed traveling and planning trips and loved jewelry and perfume.

Leisa will be remembered for her kindness, strong faith, endless smile, zest for life’s adventures, and her dedication to underserved and at risk populations. She made a lasting impact on all who knew her, both professionally and personally.

She was preceded in death by her Father, James Vernon Askew; Mother, Gloria Mann Askew; Maternal Grandfather, George Calloway Mann; Maternal Grandmother, Rosemary Patton Mann; Maternal Uncle, George Patton Mann; Maternal Aunt, Madeline Mann; Cousin, Sandra “Sandy” Mann Brown; and her beloved pets Blondie, Charlie, Maybell, Honey, Darby, and Hamlet.

Visitation will be held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home, Opelika, Alabama on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Celebration of Life to follow at 3:00 p.m.. To honor Leisa’s love of animals and community, in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:

Woof Avenue (https://www.woofave.com/)

Spencer Cancer Center Patient Assistance Program (Checks made payable to EAMC Foundation)

Lee-Russell Council of Governments Aging Foundation