Esther Bryan Akins

Mrs. Esther Bryan Akins, 97, of Waycross, GA, returned to her heavenly home on November 9, 2023, in Aiken, SC, after a brief illness surrounded by family, in her daughter's home. 

Mrs. Akins was born in Philomath, Ga., on April 28, 1926, to Harry Gordon Bryan and Lena Alford Bryan. Preceeded in death by her devoted husband of 56 years, Leo D. Akins; brothers, Tom Bryan, Gordon Bryan, Carl Bryan; sisters, Hilda Bryan, Mabel Bryan, Mary Bryan, Georgia Baumann, Daisy Wolfe, Fannie Norman, Harriett Wolfe, Claudell Gallaspy, Martha Bryan, Lena Bryan; son-in-laws, Bo Bowden, and Rodney Fain. She lived and raised her family in Waycross, GA. She retired from the Waycross School District, where she loved teaching children. She was a lifelong member of Crawford Street Baptist Church, where she enjoyed volunteering in the nursery. Esther loved the Lord, spending time with her family, going to the beach, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her family as our dear mother, grandmother &

great grandmother, a proud cancer survivor, an avid Atlanta Braves fan, and a wonderful southern cook. We will fondly remember her for preparing everyone's favorite dishes at family gatherings.

She is survived by her four daughters, Denise Hair, husband Terry  of Aiken, SC, Jane Clanton, husband Frank of Inman, SC, Marian Bowden of Easley, SC, and Connie Whitacre, husband Doug of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren,

Karen Clanton of Tampa, FL, Kathy Clanton of Inman, SC, Jonathan Bowden & Daniel Bowden of Wilmington, NC, Spencer Bowden of Charleston, SC, Hannah Glesmann, husband, David of Lakeville, MN, Hillary Anderson, husband, Tait of Savage, MN, and Heidi Nye, husband, Brian of Chaska, MN; Step grandson Krystyan Hair, Aiken County. SC; Step granddaughters: Rhonda (Robert) Gaskins, Dadeville, AL, Julie (Tim) Wright, Highlands, NC, Sheri (Mark) Larimore, Montgomery, A, Tiffany (Jarred) Thomas, Pooler, GA, Wendy Fain, Adel, GA, Katie (Josh) Yonce, Johnston, SC, Kellie (Stanley) Holland, Warrenville, SC; Danielle Elliott, Aiken, SC; 9 great grandchildren; one sister, Sandra Mathews, husband, Buddy of Lexington, GA; 3 sister-in-laws, Barbara McNure of Metter, GA, Sally Deal of Statesboro, GA & Bobbi Respess, husband, Bill of Houston, TX; brother-in-law, Ronald Akins, Belchertown, MA, and many other beloved family members. 

Funeral services will be held on November 17 at 2 pm, Pineview Baptist Church in Aiken, SC. Family reception to follow. 

Family Graveside service will be on November 18 at 1 pm, Greenlawn Cemetery, Waycross, GA. 

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Southeast Cancer Unit, 401 Pendleton Street, Waycross, GA 31501.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC