Deborah "Debbie" Akins

Deborah “Debbie” Akins, 74, of Stamford, Connecticut, was called home on June 3, 2026. Born Deborah Burnette McIver on October 23, 1951, in Sanford, North Carolina, she was a woman of extraordinary strength, grace, and sweetness — a pillar of her family who stood steadfast through every season of life.

Debbie grew up in Sanford, North Carolina, before making her home in Stamford, Connecticut, where she and her husband Leon built a life rooted in love and family. Those who knew her knew one thing for certain — no one left her presence without feeling loved.

She was the ultimate demonstration of a pillar in the family. Her strength was top tier, unchallenged, and unbreakable, yet it was her sweetness and her dimpled smile that lit up every room she entered. She had a gift for knowing exactly when to bring laughter into a moment, and her humor was as much a part of her as the love she poured so freely into everyone around her.

Debbie believed deeply in strengthening and challenging her mind. Crossword puzzles were her peace, Jeopardy was her comfort, and Scrabble was her domain. She was always up for a challenge, which spoke to her endlessly competitive spirit. She found equal pleasure in a game of Bingo, a friendly game of “Rummy” with friends, and she loved to travel, preferably on cruise ships sailing the Caribbean Sea.

Nothing made Debbie happier than having her children and grandchildren surrounding her during the holidays. Family was everything — her greatest joy and her proudest legacy.

She is survived by her husband, Leon Akins; her three sons, Christopher Deon Akins, Andre Akins, and Brian Akins; her grandchildren, Andre Alex Akins, A’kiefer Avant Akins, Zhane Heaven Akins, Crystal Denise Akins, Christopher Deon Akins Jr., Brianah Heaven Akins, and Kadyn Jace Akins; her great-grandchildren, Stacey, Samuel, and Taylor Akins; her sister, Patricia Williams; her brother, Jackie Owens; and a host of other family and friends whose lives she touched deeply.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Nora Lee Owens, and her father, Roosevelt Owens.

“But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” — Judges 5:31

A memorial celebration will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.