Lillian McDonald Akers, known to all as Donnie, died Saturday September 1, 2012. Donnie never met a stranger. Her big things were “my church” and the Help Center, where she was a volunteer for more than 25 years. She also served as a volunteer in the Lifewise Office at ECM Hospital. She was her mother’s faithful helper, doing most of the leg work, for years on a Meals On Wheels route mostly rural in the county.
Donnie is survived by parents, Marjorie (Midge) Akers and Peter L. Akers Jr., sister Mary Lynn Jackson and husband Greg of Florence and their children James H. Steele and wife Jackie, Knoxville, Tennessee; Stacey Tapscott and husband Brad of Decatur, Alabama and their sons Bradley and Andrew; Phillip Steele, Auburn and Rachael Jackson of Florence. As well as brother Peter L. Akers III and wife Rhonda, Killen, Alabama and their daughters Piper, Rylee Lillian, Amelia and son Luke. She is also survived by her uncle Richard Davis and a host of cousins in Virginia and West Virginia.
Preceded in death by brother James H. Akers, M.D., Florence; grandparents Peter L. and Lillian Akers, Harvey and Marjorie Woods; Aunt Mary Alice Davis; Uncle Billy and Aunt Georgia Woods, all of Virginia;
In the several months leading up to her death, outstanding individuals with Gentiva Home Health Care and Hospice of the Shoals helped maintain and sustain her life and boost Donnie’s spirit. No names are mentioned for fear of inadvertently leaving someone out. Thanks also to Bonita and Leslie.
Visitation will be 6pm to 9pm Friday September 7, 2012 at Elkins Florence Funeral Home. The funeral service Saturday September 8 will be at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Poplar Street at 10:00am, followed by burial beside her brother in the Akers family plot at Greenview Cemetary.
Pallbearers are Greg Jackson, Jim Steele, Phillip Steele, Luke Akers, Brad Tapscott and Tom Ledbetter. Honorary Pallbearers are Richard Davis, Bob Davis, Bev Davis, John Hicks, Pat Hood, and Bill Elkins.
Donnie’s cheerful presence among us will be missed.
