Zelma Bernice Akerley

Preceded in death by her husband Richard M. Akerley, her son Gary E. Eller, her step-daughter Janet M. Putman.

Bee is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Peggy and husband Danny Rager of Crowley, her grandchildren Michelle and husband Steve Webb of Burleson, Texas, Robert and wife Mikki Eller of Burleson, Texas, Kirk and wife Andrea Harmon of Fort Wayne, Indiana, step-granddaughter Kristin and wife Sarah Manchack of Center, TX, step-grandson Timothy and wife Brandy Putman of Burleson, Texas, step-granddaughter April Marley of Fort Worth. Her great grandchildren Meagan and husband Trevor Myres, Brandon and wife Adrianna Webb, Marley, Carley, and Briley Eller, Taylor, Riley, and Sydney Harmon, Grace, Leland, and Shealynn Putman, Gabe, Rhyder, and Willow Putman. Great-great grandchildren Nash and Briggs Myres, Charlie Webb, and Charlie’s sister Darcy will join us in April. Her longtime friend (daughter-in-law) Gwen and husband David Neill of Burleson, Texas. Along with extended family and so many wonderful friends.

Bee was born July 2, 1929, in Fort Worth, Texas to Luther S. Atkinson and Zelma Mae Reams Atkinson. She was a member of the General Grand Chapter Order of The Eastern Star, Alvarado Chapter.

She was born in the depression and was brought up with the mind set of “don’t throw that away” because we might need it. She could tell you if something was missing from all her “stuff”.

She was so proud of her family and loved attending family birthday parties, graduation parties, family cookouts, or just sharing an occasional beer.

Bee had a great sense of humor, wit, and grit. She believed in hard work and taking care of business. She would drop everything if you needed her help. I can’t count how many times she helped pack-up our homes, so her family members could move from one location to another. We would tease her and say “Mother or Mema you can pack 10lbs of stuff in a 5lb box”. Organizing and reorganizing was her favorite pass time along with sewing, gardening, reading from her bible pocket books of scriptures and prayers. She loved going to yard sales and having her own yard sale, no one could organize a yard sale like her. She was one-of-a-kind and we will miss her dearly.

She was cared for in her last months and days by Community Healthcare of Texas. Their Hospice team was amazing with her, Elysha-RN, Heather-Social Worker, Brook-CNA, and Don-the Chaplain. She loved each one of you.