Jemima Akins

Jemima F. Akins

Age 99 of Wilmington, passed away Sunday morning June 8, 2014 at the home of her granddaughter in Bradley, Illinois.

Born January 16, 1915 in Montgomery County, Tennessee, Jemima is a daughter of the late James Franklin and Myrtle Daisy (nee Jarrell) Pritchett. She was raised and educated in Lone Oak, Tennessee, and on May 28, 1932, Jemima married James Edward Akins. Together they moved to Wilmington, Illinois in 1950, where she became active in the Wilmington Women's Club, belonged to a quilter's guild and attended First Baptist Church of Wilmington. Jemima worked in the laundry department at Manteno State Hospital and later transferred to the Shapiro Center in Kankakee, from where she retired. She was an avid gardener, who loved flowers and canning her harvests. Jemima was an outstanding cook and will be remembered for her 7-layer cookies.

Survivors include one son James Franklin Akins of Clarksville, Tennessee; two daughters-in-law: Marlene Akins of Wilmington and Margaret Akins of Marseilles; (14) grandchildren; (22) great grandchildren; (9) great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Jemima was preceded in death by her parents; Husband Ed (1988); children: Joyce Ann Akins, Douglas Akins, Billy Akins, Edwin Akins and Herbert Akins; one grandson; one great granddaughter; three brothers: Earl Pritchett, Hadley Pritchett and Cecil Pritchett and three sisters: Delma Akins, Mary Thelma Jones and Vera Pritchett.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday June 11, 2014 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Saturday June 14, 2014 at Sykes Funeral Home, 424 Franklin Street in Clarksville, Tennessee (www.SykesFuneralHome.com) Burial will be in Lone Oaks Cemetery in Cunningham, Tennessee, where Jemima will be laid to rest with her late husband Ed.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jemima's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (www.Alz.org)

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Local funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)