Dorothy Faye Akridge

Dot was born on November 25, 1935, to James Marvin (J.M.) Baxley and Gladys Mildred Hinson Baxley. On June 29, 1954, she married the love of her life, Rex Akridge, at First Baptist Church in Lynn Haven, Florida. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, community, and shared passions.

As proud parents of high school band members Greg and Tony, Dot was an active and devoted band parent, chaperoning many junior high and high school band trips and supporting countless students along the way.

Dot and Rex shared a deep love for square dancing and clogging.

During the 1970s and 1980s, they served as directors of the Capital City Cloggers, where they choreographed performances and entertained hundreds of families and guests. One of their proudest honors came in 1984, when they were invited to perform at the Louisiana World Exposition. Wherever they went, they brought energy, joy, and a sense of community.

In retirement, Dot and Rex embraced adventure, traveling throughout the Southeast in their RV with their beloved Pekingese dogs. Their journeys took them through North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, and beyond, where they formed lasting friendships and created treasured memories. They especially cherished their time in the mountains at their vacation home in Whittier, North Carolina.

Above all, Dot was devoted to her family. She had a special gift for making each person feel loved and valued, and nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her face would light up whenever she spoke about them or had them near, and those moments were among her most treasured.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James Marvin Baxley and Gladys Mildred Hinson Baxley. She is survived by her sons, Greg Akridge (Jennifer) and Tony Akridge (Dana); grandchildren, Andrew Akridge (Elizabeth), Christopher Akridge, and Teryn Akridge; great-grandchildren, Zooey Akridge, Isaac Akridge, Ava Powers-Akridge, and Emery Carpenter; her brother, Mike Baxley (Michelle); niece, Demi Baxley Degagne; her beloved dog, Misty; and her extended family of cloggers and dear friends.

A visitation/service will be held at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308, on April 24, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.