Dana Renee Akins

1961-2015

After battling illness for several years, Dana Renee’ Akins passed away suddenly on October 26, 2015 at her home in Denison, TX. Dana was born on July 29, 1961, in Sherman, TX. She was a 1979 graduate of Bonham High School and a 1985 graduate of Austin College. She served for many years as the Director of Financial Aid at Grayson County College. She was an honorable mention all-state basketball player at Bonham High School. She was an accomplished barrel racer and won numerous trophies and awards. Dana was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Denison and loved her church family. She was a respected member of and served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Student Financial Aid Advisors (TASFAA). She loved animals, the beach and photography. In her later years she enjoyed traveling, photography, spending time at the beach and being with her family and pets whom she dearly loved.

Dana is survived by her husband of 32 years, Tom Akins; mother, Merlene Wallace of Denison, TX; son Carl Akins and wife, Lori, of Denison, TX; daughter Jazen Miranda and husband, Ray, of Wylie, TX; and son Landon Akins and wife, Kimberly, of Lubbock, TX; brother, Kirk Birdwell, of Honey Grove, TX; uncles Glenn Wallace and wife, Jeanne, of Weiser, ID; John Wallace and friend, Gina Gentili, of Reedley, CA; Happy Wallace and wife, Joetta, of Gober, TX; Steve Wallace and wife, Donnie, of Bonham, TX; seven grandchildren – Skylar and Caleb Akins; Clayton, Cooper and Belyn Miranda; and Benjamin and Jeremiah Akins; and countless friends and colleagues from throughout Grayson County.

Dana was preceded in death by her father, James Turman and her sister-in-law, Melody Birdwell.

The family will receive visitors from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 29, at Bratcher Funeral Home in Denison. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 30, at Southside Baptist Church in Denison.

Pallbearers will be Von Box, Larry Cruise, Robert Hempkins, Robert Shafer, Jerry White and Andy Wilkins.

Flower donations may be made to Bratcher Funeral Home, Denison, TX and memorial donations may be made to Southside Baptist Church Building Fund, 3500 South Park Avenue, Denison, TX