Wanda Joyce Akin (Plainview)

Wanda Joyce Short Akin, our beautiful Mother, Meemaw, and Grannie Bebe, gained her heavenly wings July 20, 2023. She is resting in the loving arms of Jesus and rejoicing with family and friends. A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at the Petersburg Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life service at the First Baptist Church Petersburg at 11:00 A.M.

She was born January 14, 1933 in Dixie, Texas to Chester and Joyce (Munn) Short. She graduated from Tahoka High School in 1950. She married the love of her life, Donal Glen Akin, December 17, 1952. They celebrated 25 years of marriage before he entered his heavenly home in 1978. They moved to Petersburg in 1954 after Don’s military service, where they farmed and raised their family. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church for many years.

Being born in the depression era, her adept work ethic began while in high school. She worked as a telephone operator, waitress, at a movie theatre, family farm, and bookkeeper at Gainey Hardware. During Don’s military service, her office job included typing important legal documents for the infamous Jackie Cochran’s historical aviation success.

However, her greatest joy in life was being a wife and mother, and her children and grandchildren were the sunshine of her life. She loved them with all her heart and soul. Her greatest gift to them is teaching them about Jesus. She shared her love of Christ in so many ways living and loving in His image. She loved playing hymns on the piano, singing and praising God with her family. Her amazing legacy of love will always be cherished.

She is survived by her two daughters, Treena Petree (Jackie), TaLori Hatch (Brent); one son, Terry Akin (Debbie); her sister, Loretta Kizziar; her brother, Gerald Short (MiMi); her grandchildren D’Lynn Niblock (David), Chelsea Odle (Bryan), John Evans, Michael Sherrill (Jassmin), Jonathan Sherrill, Alicia Sherrill, Heather Petree; great grandchildren, Tyler Niblock (Melina), Payden Niblock (Morgan), Cambria Evans, Croix Evans, Bryson Odle, Jack Sherrill, Brecc Wilson, Blaze Gearn; and great great grandchildren, Corbin and Tye Niblock.

She is rejoicing in heaven with her husband, Donal Akin; her daughter, Teresa Evans; her grandson, Treavor Akin; her parents Chester and Joyce Short; her brother, C.A. Short and many loved ones.

The family would like to express appreciation for the loving care she received at Legacy at South Plains. The caregivers and staff became family with their amazing care of her.

Family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.