Maxine Akers of Chesapeake died Jan. 10, 2016 of cancer at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston, with wonderful care from the staff and her family. Maxine was the daughter of the late Lovell and Elizabeth Gray of Ohley. She was the widow of Roy L. Akers, Sr.
Maxine lived life to the fullest even with the pain she endured. She had a relentless spirit and determination. She was an avid WVU fan and was able to attend a game in September, watching from her wheelchair with her friend, Pebble Pfost, thanks to her nephew and niece, Josh and Christy Akers.
Maxine and Roy, Sr. absolutely loved to spend time at their camp in Glady. Maxine carried on that tradition after Roy's death. She spent many weekends with her son, Roy, and three grandchildren, Ashley, Joseph and Sarah, along with other special friends and family. She was adventurous, she enjoyed having fun and she loved being a part of the antics of the grandchildren, especially around the campfire. Maxine has given her grandchildren a legacy of love and devotion.
In 1952 Maxine graduated from East Bank High School, then went on to graduate from Charleston General School of Nursing in 1955 to pursue her life's dream career of nursing. She also graduated from West Virginia State College in 1980. Maxine worked at Charleston General Hospital as a staff nurse, head nurse and supervisor. She transferred to school nursing, retiring from Kanawha County Schools in 1996. She touched many students' lives.
Maxine was active in the town of Chesapeake. She was a Christian and a member of Chesapeake Baptist Church, The Red Hats and served as a councilwoman. In 2015 Maxine was named "Citizen of the Year." Her most important role in the community, however, was her compassion and love for others, especially children. She was a caregiver for many family members and neighbors.
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roy; her daughter, Elizabeth Anna Allred ("Lisa"); brothers, Sonny, James and Roger Gray; sister, Georgia Kemper; brothers-in-law, Eugene Kemper, Allen Browning, Charlie Fish, Tom and Jerry Akers; and nephews, Randy Gray and Michael Gray.
She is survived by her son, Roy L. Akers, Jr. (fiancee, Michelle Stinnett); son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Harry and Jean Ann Allred; grandchildren, Ashley V. Akers, Joseph A. Akers and Sarah E. Allred; sisters, Nell (John) Akers of Marmet, Loma Hunter (Jim) of Indiana, Vicki Bostic (Ken) of South Carolina and Linda Fish of Gallagher; brothers, Bob Gray (Fran) of Indiana and Kenneth Gray (Brenda) of Ohley; sister-in-law, Rita Browning of South Charleston; many dear nieces and nephews; and her special little girl, her dog, Katie.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at Hubbard Hospice House and home Hospice nurse, Jo Bailey. In addition, the caregivers at home, Dreama Small, Marva Crouch, Marvella Johnson and Leona Hill, sisters, Nell and Linda, and sister-in-law, Rita.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at Leonard Johnson Funeral Home, Marmet, with the Rev. Tom Holstein, the Rev. John Reed and the Rev. Damron Bradshaw officiating. Burial will be beside her husband at Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at leonardjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association or The First Baptist Church of Chesapeake, 24 130th St., Chesapeake, WV 25315.