Sherry Gail Akin

After many years living with Alzheimer’s, she spent her final chapter at The Blake Memory Care in Bossier City, where she was treated with the type of compassion and dignity a family could only pray their loved one receives.

Sherry was born on August 21, 1950, in Ashdown, Arkansas, to Dale and Pauline Withem. The eldest of four siblings, she naturally stepped into a nurturing role early in life and often referred to her brothers and sisters as “her kids.” Her childhood included many moves, but the family eventually settled in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In 1967, Sherry married the love of her life, Bryant “Wayne” Akin of Texarkana, Texas. When Wayne joined the U.S. Air Force, the couple moved to California, where they welcomed their daughter, Kim, while stationed at Edwards Air Force Base. After Wayne’s discharge, they returned to Shreveport, where they later welcomed their son, Jeff, raised their family, and created a life full of laughter, friendships, and lasting memories. Next-door neighbors Rodney and Gail Walton along with the Rodrigues family became lifelong friends and chosen family. Weekends were often spent listening and dancing to Eagles music, enjoying one another’s company, and many trips to the emerald coast of Florida/Alabama.

Throughout her life, Sherry worked a variety of jobs, including positions at Montgomery Ward, in real estate, and briefly as a mail carrier. Her determination eventually led her to earn her LPN license, an accomplishment she was proud of. She found her true professional calling in dermatology and spent 30 years as a nurse at Dermatology and Skin Surgery, working alongside Dr. Jack Resneck. Sherry loved her work and was known for her dedication and genuine care for patients. Her coworkers were more than colleagues—they were friends—and she cherished the bonds she formed there and looked forward to the annual “work trips” with the ladies where memories were made and souvenir totes were filled.

Above all else, Sherry was a devoted mother and an extraordinary “Nana.” While she deeply loved her children, her grandchildren were truly the center of her world. They were her joy, her purpose, and her greatest pride. She delighted in picking out Halloween costumes and taking them trick or treating, decorating the house for every holiday, and planning outings to the Sci Port, movies, Barksdale Air Shows, Mardi Gras parades, Sesame Street Live, Disney on Ice, and yes—even the dreaded Chuck E. Cheese. Those children were her heart.

When she wasn’t working or caring for her grandchildren, Sherry’s favorite place to be was near the sound of the ocean. One of her most treasured experiences was traveling to Maui with Wayne to renew their vows on their 45th wedding anniversary—a moment that perfectly captured their enduring love. That trip also reflected Sherry’s rebel spirit when she returned home with a sea turtle tattoo to commemorate the occasion. After Wayne’s passing, Sherry made a brave solo return to Maui, honoring him with a lightning bolt tattoo in tribute to his work as an electrician and the powerful presence he continued to hold in her heart.

On December 24, 2019, she made the very personal decision to be baptized at The Simple Church—a day that remained special to her until her final breath.

The final five years of Sherry’s life were shaped by dementia, a disease that slowly took her memories and parts of her personality, but never the love she gave or received. Her family is deeply grateful to The Blake Memory Care for the kindness and compassion shown to her, and to Passages Hospice for the gentle care provided during her final month. A special and heartfelt thank you is extended to her late brother Ricky and his family, who supported Sherry tirelessly in the early stages of her illness, ensuring she made it to appointments and was never alone when help was needed.

Sherry is survived by her daughter, Kim Pitts and partner JJ Rodrigues; her son Jeff Akin and wife Robyn; grandchildren Tyler and Kaitlyn Pitts, Erin, Ainsley, Riley, and Dylan Akin, and Jake Gunter; her sister Sandi Withem Ward and husband Devin; her brother Mike Withem and wife Naysa; sister-in-law Donna Withem; many nieces and nephews and of course her beloved dog Cookie who continues to be spoiled by Kim and JJ. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years Wayne, her parents Dale and Pauline Withem, her brother Ricky Withem, and several other cherished family members.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association to aid in the progress toward new treatments, preventions and, ultimately, a cure for this disease that affects so many like her.