Abla Karim Akel

Heaven is rejoicing with their newest Angel! However, we are saddened to inform you that Deceased, Abla Karim Akel, 79, passed into eternal life on July 9, 2024. She fought a long 10-year battle with ovarian cancer and graciously took her last breath surrounded by her family. She's now at peace and has joined her loving husband, who she has sorely missed for the past 4 years.

Abla was born in Ramallah, Palestine in 1944. From an early age, she was always a very strong, confident woman and wanted to focus on her education. After going to high school in Jerusalem, Abla was a math teacher in Palestine. She later immigrated to Jacksonville, Florida to go to business school. Shortly after graduating, she married the love of her life (Karim) in 1967.

She moved to Kentucky where she raised her four children. After moving back to Jacksonville in 1983, she & Karim opened Kenny’s Sandwich Shop. Abla has been an incredible beacon of strength for her family and raised her children with respect for family and traditions. She always took the higher ground and did what was right, even when difficult. Nothing made her happier than cooking for her family & making hummus with her beautiful grandchildren.

Abla was predeceased in death by husband (Karim Musa Akel), her parents (Salem & Mariam Elias) and her brother (John Elias). She is survived by her daughter (Mary J Akel), her three sons (Musa (and Laura) Akel), Jacob Akel, Akel (and Michelle) Akel), her grandchildren (Karim & Audrey Akel). She is also survived by her brothers (Edward (and Rima) Elias and Nidal (and Poppi) Elias), her sisters (Suad Harb, Hiyam Odeh and Ellen (and Oscar) Khoury), her numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and her numerous plants.

Abla absolutely loved flowers & they always put a smile on her face. She would want all of us to smile as we celebrate her life. We will surround her with flowers at the following services: visitation for Abla will be held Sunday, July 14, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Oaklawn Cemetery Association d/b/a Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207. A funeral service will occur Monday, July 15, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207. A committal service will occur Monday, July 15, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.