Melissa Akers

LASHMEET – Melissa Gail Akers, 55, was called home to be with the Lord after a long-term illness that she fought courageously until the very end. Born June 17, 1970, Melissa lived a life filled with faith, love, strength, and devotion to those she held dear. Melissa loved the Lord and found great joy in going to church. Her faith carried her through many difficult days and gave her the strength to keep fighting, even when the road was hard. Those who knew her will remember her courage, her love for her family, and the way she held on with determination and grace. Melissa had a great love for teaching and was deeply dedicated to her work. She cared about the children she taught and poured her heart into helping them learn, grow, and feel loved. Teaching was not just something she did, it was part of who she was. Her patience, kindness, and dedication left a lasting mark on the lives of many. She also loved the simple joys of life. Melissa loved to shop and had a special fondness for shoes, clothes, coats, and blankets- lots and lots of blankets. She had a way of collecting the things she loved and those little pieces of her personality will forever bring smiles and memories to the people who knew her best. After being hospitalized in February, Melissa often spoke of wanting to go home. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now truly home- no longer suffering, resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus, and surrounded by eternal love. She was precedented in death by paternal grandparents, Gaythel and Ruth Akers, and maternal grandparents, Roy and Shirley Swim. She is survived by her parents, Larry and Linda Akers; her fiancé, John Smallwood; her daughter, Noel Williams; her grandchildren, Chloe Williams, Landon Williams, London Williams, and Baylon Williams; her brother, Rodney Akers and wife Denise; her nieces and nephews, Scott Akers and wife Heather, Kayla Dillon and husband Jamie, and Justin Akers and wife Alexis, six great-nephews and great-nieces; and many others who loved her. She also leaves behind her special pets, Lola and Nessie, who were dear to her heart. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Larry Akers, officiating. Interment will follow at the Swim Family Cemetery on Reese Harmon Ridge Road in Lashmeet. The family will receive visitors from noon until the service hour. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. Her life was a blessing, her love was a gift, and her memory will forever be treasured by all who loved her.

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Melissa Akers

June 17, 1970 - May 31, 2026