Naheel Fuad Akel, age 88, of Jacksonville, Florida, was called home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2024. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Fuad Salim Akel with whom she shares four children: Frieda Jane Nasr (deceased), Dr. Edward (Charlene) Akel, the Honorable Franklin F. (Dottie) Akel, and Dr. Randall F. Akel (deceased). Her legacy lives on through her cherished grandchildren: Zach, Joey and E.J. Nasr; Anthony, Michael and Christopher Akel; and Jacob, Joshua and Faith Akel; and great grandchildren: Kinsley Kelly, Kamryn Akel, and Eliana, Elijah, Alexander and Lillia Nasr.
Naheel was born in Ramallah, Palestine to the late Nicola and Jamileh Hanna, is preceded in death by her brother Nabeel Hanna, and is survived by her brother Kareem (Mary) Hanna, her sister Helen Shunnarah, her sister Susie (Peter) El-Abu, her sister-in-law Nigma Hanna, and a host of extended family.
Naheel was a devout servant who loved the Lord and attended Church every Sunday. Her warmth, wisdom and kindness touched the lives of everyone around her. One of her greatest joys in life was cooking for family and friends. She played the violin as a child, enjoyed knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and gardening, and was an accomplished artist who loved to paint. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit, warmth and love live on through her family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at St. George's Antiochian Orthodox Church, 6300 Bowden Road, Jacksonville, FL 32216. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m. Church service begins at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place immediately following the Church service at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
Flowers may be sent to Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Boulevard, Orange Park, FL 32073. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Nemours Children's Hospital, 807 Childrens Way, Jacksonville, FL 32207 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, donate by Phone: (800) 805-5856.
Teta: May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you eternal peace. (Revised Standard Version, Numbers 6: 24-26)
Forever with Love.
