Maxine Snyder Akers

Maxine Snyder Akers, beloved mother, wife, and grandmother, went home to be with the Lord, October 7, 2014. She died peacefully at home with family present. She was preceded in death by her five siblings. Born October 19, 1920, in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Owen Snyder and Olive Maye Shaw. In September of 1940, she married Watson Jay Akers, who preceded her in death on October 30, 1990. Surviving are their three daughters: Connie Akers Lee and her husband, Rev. Gordon M. Lee of Blackstone, Virginia; Wanda Akers Ryan and her husband, Dr. William G. Ryan of Tappahannock, Virginia; and Odella Akers Gill and her husband, Rev. Charles E.B. Gill of Southern Shores, North Carolina. Mrs. Akers dearly loved her grandchildren: Scott Lee, Gordon Lee, Jr. (Patty), Christopher Lee (Allison); Sarah Gill (Scotty), Heather Gill Sakers (Adam), Mark Watson Gill; Rebecca Ryan Shoemaker (Richardson), Mary Catherine Ryan, and Allison Virginia Ryan. She also loved her seven great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren; her many neices and nephews. Mrs. Akers and her husband lived in Blackstone, Virginia for twenty five years; then in Ashland, Virginia. She was a member of Crenshaw United Methodist Church, and for the last forty-eight years of her life, Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Ashland. She was an exceptional seamstress, winning many awards for her talents. She was a homemaker, wife and mother who enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening. She was a devoted church member. Until her late eighties, she was always looking after her “elderly” neighbors; always thinking of others, cooking and sewing for them. She was someone who continually looked for ways to be useful in her life; forever a thoughtful and loving mother. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 11:00 a.m., at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, in Ashland, Virginia, with Rev. David Hindman officiating.The family will receive friends after the funeral at Duncan Memorial. A family burial will be held at Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Richmond, VA. If friends or family so desire, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. Akers to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. 201 Henry Street, Ashland, VA, 23005.