Jan McWilliams Akin peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday April 2, 2013. She was a loving wife, mother and sister whose family always came first. The fourth of four children born to Joe and Margaret McWilliams, Jan developed a love of family and a love of travel that came to define her life. She was born on Jan. 3, 1955, graduated from high school in her hometown of Tuscumbia, Ala. and then went on to graduate from the University of Alabama in 1977 where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. For years she was also involved in community affairs as an active member of The Junior League of Houston. Jan is survived by her husband of 32 years, Stephen Akin; their daughter, Anne Elizabeth Akin; sisters, Mae Whitsen Christy and husband, Ed, of New Orleans, La., Gay Martin and husband, John, of Birmingham, Ala. and her twin sister, Jo Musselwhite and husband, Wayne, of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; and seven nieces and nephews. She truly left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She was much loved and will be missed by family and friends.
A memorial celebration was held for family and friends at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2013, on the courtyard of North Ridge Community Church, 6363 East Dynamite Boulevard, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. There will also be a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church, 103 North Broad Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that donations be made in Jan’s memory to Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, 901 East Willetta Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006, or to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Building 2, Phoenix, AZ 85014, or to a charity of your choice .
