Leila Jean Akins

Leila attended Montrose, Pennsylvania High school, and after graduation she went to work for the US Government at Bendix Aviation in New York. She worked for American Air Lines and the Veterans Administration in Cleveland, Ohio.

She had the opportunity to go to Florida for a vacation, and that is where she met her future husband, George E Akins. He was a US Navy Pilot in World War II. They were married in August 1945 in North Royalton, Ohio. After the war they moved from North Royalton, Ohio to Bradenton, Florida.

She was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. She taught Children’s Sunday school and directed the Children’s choir and the Christmas and Easter programs. She sang in the church choir and The Bay Chorale. She was a member of the Beethoven Club, the Junior Women’s club and was a Girl Scout troop leader. The family traveled out West and visited Grandparents in Pennsylvania and Ohio in the summer. Leila would drive while pulling an Airstream trailer with her husband, 3 girls and the dog named Klinker.

She is survived by her loving children, Pamela Lee Taylor (Paul DeMariano), Cynthia Lou Hoopingarner (Bruce Hoopingarner) and Bonnie Lyn Metcalf (Thomas Metcalf).

Grandchildren: Robert Akins Taylor (Johanna Xenobia), Cory Bridgeman (Lynn), Josh Bridgeman (Lauren) Michael Bridgeman (Allison), Amanda Santos (Randy), Carrie Metcalf (Jerod Wolfe), Scott Hoopingarner (Missy) and Marc Hoopingarner (Brittany).

Great Grandchildren: Clayton Bridgeman, Paris & Juliet Bridgeman, Josie, Riley, Taylor & Braden Hoopingarner. She is also survived by her caregiver, Rayena Sandell.

She is preceded in death by her husband George E Akins,parents Ambrose & LuLu Whalen, and grandson Jason Maclean Taylor.

Visitation will be held on Saturday January 19, 2019 from 12pm-2pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3011 19th Ave West, Bradenton, Fl. Funeral service will follow at 2pm. Robert Toale & Sons are entrusted with final care. Donations can be made in memory of Leila to Westminster Presbyterian Church.