Mary V. Akers
On Friday, September 26th, 2025, out most loved Mary V. Akers passed away at the Bowers Hospice House following a long illness with Alzheimer's disease. Mary was 86 years of age.
The youngest of seven children, Mary Virginia Akers was born on December 17th, 1938, in Coal City, West Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Zine and Laura B. Garten. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Donna L. Akers; her grandson, Terry "Shawn" Gunther; sisters, Wilma Lusk and Hazel Ritter; brothers, Tommy, Junior and Frankie Garten.
Mary made her career in the hotel industry, working in many hotel chains and many restaurants, always making friends. In her younger years she loved going to the beach with her friend, Kathern. Mary loved being a "Maw Maw" to her grandchildren, Shawn and Chris Gunther and great granddaughter, Terryn Gunther. Mary loved people, friends and family.
Left to cherish her memory is her devoted daughter, Linda Moore and loving son-in-law, Elder David Leo Moore who kept Mary in her home and took loving care of her; her dear grandson, Chris Gunther of Los Angeles, California; her special great granddaughter, Terryn Gunther; her loving older sister, Betty Francisco. We can't forget her fur baby, "Pumpkin" who was always by her side. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends and bonus daughters, Sallie and Lilly survive as well.
A Celebration of Mary's life will be Thursday, October 2nd at 12 noon in the Melton Mortuary Chapel with Elder David Leo Moore officiating. The family will accept friends starting an hour before the service. Mary will be laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Southern West Virginia for taking care of Mary in her final days. We would also like to thank her faithful and special care givers, Henrietta Pryor and Paulette Alvarado with the Raleigh County Commission on Aging. A most special thank you to special friend, Anita Reid who volunteered her time to set with Mary and be with her family in Mary's final days.
II Timothy 4:7- "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith," and she did, until the very end. And so, we shall remember "Our Precious Mary," loving, generous, always thinking of others and her family.