Dolores Akin

Dolores Knudson Akin's soul departed her body for heaven on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, Valentine's Day, after years of suffering the long goodbye, Alzheimer's. As one of her grandchildren said as a child: "everyone has an angel inside them and when they die the angel goes to heaven." And Dolores had a angel inside her. At the time of her death she was a resident at Fair Haven in Birmingham, AL.

She was preceded in death by her soul mate and husband for 61 years, Dr. John M. Akin, Jr. and her son, Dr. John M. Akin, III. Dolores is survived by her daughters, Sara Akin McGivaren (Crawford), Kathy Smyly Parsons (Tim), and Marie Akin Wright (Mike), and 10 grandchildren, William (Bill) Allen Smyly III, Stephen Loftin Smyly, Megan LaRussa Chenoweth, Sara Marie Smyly, Thompson Sharp McGivaren, Catherine Jeanine Akin, Chelsey LaRussa Heslop, Michael Rutherford Akin, John Lars McGivaren, and Laurie Allison Akin. Dolores was born in Lewistown, Pa. to Theodore and Sara Knudson. She went to the University of Pennsylvania where she received her R.N. and not long after was made the head nurse of the Children's ward at the University hospital. She remained proud of being a nurse the rest of her life. She met John Akin while he was a medical student at the University of Pa. and when he finished his medical training he brought this Yankee south to his hometown, Birmingham. While he started his medical practice she raised their four children. She started the health room at Crestline Elementary. She was involved in several clubs some of which were Civiette's, the Assistance League, Young Mothers Club, the Medical Auxiliary of Baptist Medical Center-Montclair, Cherokee Garden Club among others. She was president of each at some time. She was a scout leader for many years and an active member of Canterbury Methodist Church. She was a member of several bridge clubs and continued to enjoy playing bridge until her disease made it impossible. She enjoyed going to yard sales and auctions with her husband, as well as traveling, reading, watching television, and time at the lake with him. Most of all she loved being with her family, was happiest when they were all together, and that never changed. If you had to pick a word to describe Dolores, it would be family. Her family loved her and will deeply miss her. She was the one who continue her family's traditions through the years. In the last years of her life she would reflect on her life and say "I had a good life." The family would like to thank those at Brookdale and Fair Haven who helped to make Dolores's last years safe and comfortable. Those who wish to honor Dolores' life are encouraged to make a donation to a program that researches Alzheimer's disease.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a service to follow at Canterbury United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.