Bobbie B Akers

Bobbie Jean Berryman Akers passed away, September 11, 2023 at the age of 95. Bobbie was born March 11, 1928 to Lester and Stella Berryman in Oklahoma. Her mom was a teacher and her father a principal so education was always very important. In 1945 she headed off to college at West Texas University. A year later she would transfer to her beloved OU enrolled as a chemical engineering major where she met her future husband Cliff Akers. She pointed out being a woman in engineering in the 1940’s was a challenge. But she was also quick to point out that she had a higher GPA in engineering than Cliff!

The two were married May 30, 1948. Cliff accepted a job with Phillips Petroleum and they moved to West Texas. Bobbie also went to work for Phillips. It amused her to tell the story of Cliff not being happy about her getting a job BUT he still let her ride with him to work.

Soon she would settle in to being a full-time mom to Linda, Merri, Stancy and Paul. Bobbie and Cliff had a strong love for each other, their family and God. They were active in church at Phillips United Methodist for 25 years until they were transferred to London England in 1973. There would be several more moves until they retired to Tyler, Texas in 1986. That would be home for many years. They had a wonderful life together and now they are reunited.

In the book of John, Jesus tells us that He has prepared a place for us in Heaven. We can see Bobbie arriving to bouquets of daisies, a room all set up for sewing and crafts, front row seats to OU football and a serious game of bridge! Of course her family is there to greet her. But after Jesus, none will compare to being reunited with Cliff. She has been waiting for 8 years to see him and what a reunion it will be!

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Eddie and Jerry Berryman, her son in law Elton Simpson and her husband of 66 years, Cliff. She is survived by daughters Linda Akers, Merri Hardin (Randy), Stancy Simpson, and son Paul Akers (Wendi). Grandchildren Randy Lee Hardin (Kara), Jennifer Cooper (Doug), Christopher Simpson, Austin Akers (Coryanne) and Taylor Akers. Additionally, she is survived by 9 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and a 4th due in May.

The funeral will be held Friday, September 15th at 2 pm at Lloyd James Funeral Home, 1011 E 1st St, Tyler, TX 75701. There will be a visitation that same day at the funeral home from 1 pm-1:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Asbury House Child Enrichment Center, 320 S Center St, Longview, TX 75601

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lloydjamesfuneralhome.com for the Akers family.