Mattie Lou (Willis) Akins

Mrs. Mattie Lou Willis Akins, age 95, of Lyons, died Monday, December 30, 2024, at her home following an extended illness.  She was born in Tift County, Georgia on historic Black Tuesday, October 29, 1929, to the late Reverend Charles Wilson Willis and Mittie Rilla Vaughn Willis.  She was a 1946 graduate of Tift County High School.  She met her future husband and they married in 1949, living in Chula and Valdosta before moving to Lyons in 1959.  She and her husband were owners of W.J. Akins & Sons for thirty-six years.  She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lyons where she taught the Primary Department Sunday School for twenty-three years.  She enjoyed working in her yard, traveling, and reading, especially devotionals.  In addition to her parents, her husband, Willie James Akins, Sr.; one son, Willie J. “Buster” Akins; and seven siblings, Charles Wilson “Cuz” Willis, Jr., Louise Willis Driggers, Ola Juanita Willis Hand, Robert Willis, Sr., Martha Willis Robinson, Mary Lou Willis Deer, and Lynette Willis Hearst, precede her in death.

Her family includes one son, Bobby T. Akins and wife Paula of Lyons; one daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral service will be Thursday afternoon, January 2, 2025, at 2:00 at Hickory Springs Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Tift County with Reverend Randy Callahan officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to Hickory Springs Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Irvin Branch, 153 Academy Drive, Chula, GA 31733.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.   

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