Doretha (Lansing) Akins

Doretha Akins , age 92, peacefully made her transition to her heavenly home, October 21, 2016. She was born April 6, 1924 to John Fidline and Reno Holbrook in Trap Hill, North Carolina. Doretha enjoyed her childhood years in rural North Carolina. As a young woman, she moved with her sister, Nina, to Chicago. There she met and married Henry Akins. Together they moved to Lansing, Michigan, and then later to a small country farm in Mason. In 1965 they were blessed with a daughter, Grace, whom they adored. Doretha and Henry were happily married for over 50 years. She was also blessed to have a loving step-daughter, Shirley Coleman, and cherished her grandchildren, Keith and Thaydra, who spent summers on the farm.
Doretha was a devoted Christian. She became a member of Collins Memorial AME Church, which later became Trinity AME Church. At Trinity she was active in the Josephine Brown Womens Missionary Society and often worked in the kitchen when needed. Over the years, she was a frequent visitor of her neighborhood church, Columbia Road Baptist in Mason. She was employed by MSU Housekeeping Services until deciding to stay home to care for her family. Her family was most important in her life and she took care of them in every way. They brought her much joy.
Doretha was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Grace (Mike) Major; step-daughter, Shirley Coleman; three grandchildren, Keith, Thaydra , and Jordan; nieces and nephews, Alvin, Jr., Earl, Cornella, Andre, Annette, and Robin; and special caregiver, Carol Green, and many other relatives and friends.

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