Julia E. Akers died peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at the age of 100. Mother Akers was born in Vicksburg, Miss., October 4, 1909. She was the eldest of four children. They all preceded her in death, as did her husband, Alec Akers, and two of her daughters.
She joined her sister and two brothers in St. Louis in 1953. Her husband passed away in 1958. Her daughter Jean died in 1962 leaving behind three small children, Lorna, Lena and Larry whom she took and raised as her own. Her oldest daughter Gloria passed away in 2006.
She is survived by daughters Audrey Robinson and Betty (Willie) Shackelford, son, Alex Akers; twelve grandchildren, Renee, Johnetta, Lorna, Lena, Dinah, Alexis, Rodney, Leon, Walter, Larry, Todd, Scot and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn her passing a very special nephew, John (Emma) Tibbs and her long time friend, Ms. Essie M. Davis.
Mother Akers united with the Fifth Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Clarence J. Duvall, Sr. Her secret to long life was living a life of faith, being surrounded by loved ones and friends, drinking plenty of water and having a great sense of humor.