When I think about families that quietly shaped American entertainment, I always find myself drawn to the people who stayed away from the spotlight. Victoria Hanner “Vicky” Askew lived that kind of life. While millions recognize her son Vince McMahon for transforming professional wrestling into a global phenomenon, Vicky built something far less public but equally meaningful. She created a family rooted in resilience, faith, discipline, and perseverance.
Born in 1920 and living to the remarkable age of 101, Vicky witnessed dramatic changes across more than a century. Her journey stretched from the hardships of the Great Depression to the digital age, touching countless lives along the way without ever seeking fame for herself.
Basic Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Victoria Hanner “Vicky” Askew |
| Birth Name | Victoria Hanner |
| Born | July 11, 1920 |
| Birthplace | Florence, South Carolina, United States |
| Died | January 20, 2022 |
| Age at Death | 101 |
| Parents | Orpheus William Hanner and Victoria Kennedy Hanner |
| Children | Rod McMahon and Vince McMahon |
| Later Husband | Harold Eugene Askew |
| Occupation | Civil service secretary and administrative assistant |
| Known For | Mother of WWE executive Vince McMahon |
Growing Up During Difficult Times
Whenever I read about Vicky Askew’s childhood, I am reminded that strength is often forged long before anyone notices it.
She was born in Florence, South Carolina, on July 11, 1920. As the only daughter among four children, she experienced a childhood shaped by the economic uncertainty of the Great Depression. Her family eventually settled in Sanford and East Sanford, North Carolina, where everyday life required creativity and determination.
Money was scarce. Shoes developed holes that could not simply be replaced, so pieces of pasteboard became makeshift insoles. Her mother sold Avon products and worked tirelessly to support the family. Those experiences left a lasting impression on Vicky and helped shape the practical outlook she carried throughout her life.
Rather than allowing hardship to define her, she treated it as preparation.
Building a Career Away From Public Attention
Unlike many members of the McMahon family who became associated with entertainment, Vicky chose a quieter professional path.
She worked in civil service as a secretary and administrative assistant. Her career emphasized organization, responsibility, and service instead of publicity. Eventually she retired from the Miramar and Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce in Florida after years of dedicated work.
Her professional life reflected consistency more than celebrity. Like a steady lighthouse guiding ships without demanding attention, she supported the communities around her through dependable daily work.
Marriage to Vince McMahon Sr
One of the most significant chapters of Vicky’s life began in the early 1940s when she married Vincent James McMahon, better known as Vince McMahon Sr.
Their marriage produced two sons who would each follow very different paths while remaining connected to the McMahon family legacy.
| Family Member | Relationship | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|
| Vince McMahon Sr. | First husband | Wrestling promoter and head of Capitol Wrestling Corporation |
| Rod McMahon | Son | Entrepreneur and co-founder of North American Metals |
| Vince McMahon | Son | WWE executive and promoter |
Although the marriage eventually ended in divorce, Vicky remained the central figure in raising her sons. Vince McMahon has often acknowledged that he spent most of his childhood with his mother and did not truly know his father until around age 12.
Vince McMahon Sr Changed Wrestling Forever
Comprehending Vicky’s tale also entails comprehending Vince McMahon Sr.’s extraordinary career.
Vince Sr., who was born in 1914, went on to become one of the most significant wrestling promoters in American history. He made Capitol Wrestling Corporation the leading promoter in the northeastern United States throughout the 1950s.
Long before many rivals, he saw the huge potential of television. Wrestling was once a local attraction, but weekly broadcasts helped make it a common home pastime.
He assisted in founding the World Wide Wrestling Federation in 1963 as a result of disputes inside the National Wrestling Alliance. Eventually, the group evolved into the World Wrestling Federation, or WWE.
His strategy was centered on strong championship reigns, intriguing antagonists, and credible heroes that enticed fans to come back month after month.
Bruno Sammartino Became the Foundation of the Territory
If Vince McMahon Sr. built the house, Bruno Sammartino became its strongest pillar.
Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers in May 1963 to become the first major champion of the newly created WWWF. His first championship reign lasted an astonishing 2,803 consecutive days, while his combined reigns totaled more than 4,000 days.
Those championship years transformed Madison Square Garden into wrestling’s grand stage. Month after month, fans packed arenas to watch Sammartino defend the championship against a rotating cast of challengers.
For Vince McMahon Sr., Sammartino represented reliability. For wrestling fans, he became a larger than life hero whose popularity fueled the promotion’s remarkable success.
Without that partnership, the company inherited by Vince McMahon Jr. decades later would likely have looked very different.
Raising the Next Generation
While Vince Sr. focused on building a wrestling empire, Vicky focused on raising two boys.
Her eldest son, Rod McMahon, became a successful businessman and co-founded North American Metals in Texas alongside his wife, Jamice.
Her younger son, Vince McMahon, eventually purchased the family wrestling business in 1982 and transformed it into the worldwide entertainment company known today as WWE.
Interestingly, Vicky’s obituary noted that both sons married their childhood sweethearts, a detail she reportedly treasured.
A New Chapter With Harold Askew
Life offered Vicky another opportunity for happiness when she married Harold Eugene Askew on December 29, 1963.
Harold had served approximately 21 years in the United States Marine Corps, including service during the Korean and Vietnam eras. After military retirement, he worked as a Treasury agent, internal auditor, and later became active in local government in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Together they spent nearly three decades in South Florida before relocating to Ebensburg, Pennsylvania following retirement.
Their marriage became one defined by community involvement, hospitality, and shared interests rather than public recognition.
The Tennis Court That Became a Tribute
One of my favorite parts of Vicky Askew’s story involves tennis.
She loved the sport deeply and continued playing until she was 94 years old. She even declined invitations to play exclusively in senior leagues because she preferred stronger competition.
Her enthusiasm inspired something lasting.
Concerned about her driving long winter distances to play tennis, Harold encouraged the construction of a local tennis facility. Vince McMahon and the McMahon Family Foundation donated approximately $2.5 million to help build the Ebensburg Tennis Center, which opened around 2007 and was dedicated in Vicky’s honor.
The center became more than a collection of courts.
It became a monument celebrating lifelong activity, determination, and healthy living.
Faith Community and Family
Vicky’s spirituality became a more significant aspect of her everyday life as she grew older.
She enjoyed playing bridge, worked out frequently, sang soprano in church choirs, took part in neighborhood organizations, and continued to be socially engaged well into her later years.
Following Harold’s passing in 2010, she relocated to Texas and attended North Shore Church, which is close to Montgomery and The Woodlands. She decided to get baptized again around her 100th birthday, demonstrating the significance of faith throughout her remarkable life.
Verdell Berry, who became a significant companion, also provided her with loving care during her latter years.
Five Generations of the McMahon Family
The McMahon family tree continued expanding across several generations.
| Generation | Family Members |
|---|---|
| Parents | Orpheus William Hanner and Victoria Kennedy Hanner |
| Vicky’s Generation | Vicky Askew |
| Children | Rod McMahon and Vince McMahon |
| Grandchildren | Stephanie McMahon, Shane McMahon, and two others |
| Great Grandchildren | Twelve great grandchildren including Aurora Rose Levesque, Murphy Claire Levesque, Declan James McMahon, Kenyon Jesse McMahon, and others |
Vicky also attended memorable family occasions, including the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in 2016, where multiple generations gathered together.
Her Final Years
Rod McMahon passed away on January 20, 2021.
Exactly one year later, on January 20, 2022, Vicky peacefully died in her sleep at her home in The Woodlands, Texas. She was 101 years old.
Her funeral took place on January 22, followed later by a private burial in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.
She left behind one son, four grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and a legacy that reached far beyond professional wrestling.
Timeline of Vicky Askew’s Life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1920 | Born in Florence, South Carolina |
| 1920s and 1930s | Raised in Sanford and East Sanford, North Carolina |
| Early 1940s | Married Vince McMahon Sr. |
| 1943 | Birth of Rod McMahon |
| 1945 | Birth of Vince McMahon |
| Late 1940s | Divorce from Vince McMahon Sr. |
| 1963 | Married Harold Eugene Askew |
| 1960s through 1990s | Civil service career in Florida |
| Around 2007 | Tennis center dedicated in her honor |
| 2010 | Harold Askew passed away |
| 2010s | Relocated to Texas |
| Around 2020 | Baptized again at approximately age 100 |
| 2022 | Passed away at age 101 |
FAQ
Who was Vicky Askew?
Vicky Askew was the mother of WWE executive Vince McMahon. She was known for her long life, community involvement, love of tennis, and dedication to family.
Who were Vicky Askew’s children?
She had two sons with Vince McMahon Sr. They were Rod McMahon, an entrepreneur, and Vince McMahon, who later built WWE into a global entertainment company.
Who was Vince McMahon Sr.?
Vince McMahon Sr. was one of the most influential wrestling promoters of the twentieth century. He led Capitol Wrestling Corporation and helped establish the World Wide Wrestling Federation in 1963.
Why was Bruno Sammartino important to the McMahon family business?
Bruno Sammartino became the face of Vince McMahon Sr.’s promotion through his record setting championship reigns. His popularity filled arenas and provided the financial stability that helped shape the future WWE.
Why is there a tennis center named after Vicky Askew?
The Ebensburg Tennis Center was dedicated in her honor after Vince McMahon and the McMahon Family Foundation donated approximately $2.5 million. The facility celebrates her lifelong passion for tennis.
How long did Vicky Askew live?
She lived from July 11, 1920, to January 20, 2022, reaching the age of 101.
What was Vicky Askew’s profession?
She spent most of her career working in civil service as a secretary and administrative assistant before retiring from the Miramar and Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce in Florida.
What made Vicky Askew’s life remarkable?
Her resilience during the Great Depression, commitment to family, athletic lifestyle into her nineties, active faith, and quiet influence on one of America’s most recognizable entertainment families made her life truly exceptional.
