Nancy Elaine Akers

Nancy Elaine Akers of Memphis, Tennessee, formerly of Lexington, Tennessee, and Kennett, Missouri, passed away on June 22, 2026, surrounded by her family and friends at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House.

Nancy was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on February 18, 1943, the daughter of the late James Everett Terry and the late Ora B Terry.

On March 7, 1963, Nancy married the love of her life, Robert Dale "Bobby" Akers. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, devotion, and shared purpose.

In 1991, Robert and Nancy were honored as Freed-Hardeman University Parents of the Year, a recognition that reflected their deep commitment to family and faith. Robert preceded Nancy in death on May 11, 2003, after 40 years of marriage.

Nancy spent many cherished years in Kennett, where she raised her children and became deeply rooted in her community. As her family grew, she devoted her time to serving others: volunteering at local voting booths during elections, working at James Kahn Department Store during the holiday seasons, and creating beautiful floral arrangements at a local flower shop.

After moving to Lexington, Nancy worked as a substitute teacher, sharing patience, kindness, and encouragement with countless students. In Memphis, she continued her lifelong commitment to service by volunteering at The Women’s Exchange, where she formed meaningful friendships.

Nancy’s faith was the steady center of her life. She taught Sunday School and Wednesday Bible study for many years as a member of the Slicer Street Church of Christ in Kennett. She later worshipped with the Broad Street Church of Christ in Lexington, and for the last 23 years, she was an active and beloved member of the Park Avenue Church of Christ in Memphis.

Nancy was also preceded in death by a son, Scot Everett Akers on June 18, 2004, her brother, Tommy Bennett Terry, and her in-laws, P.H. and Nelldean Akers.

A graduate of Freed-Hardeman College (now Freed-Hardeman University), Nancy carried her education into every role she filled; mother, teacher, volunteer, and friend.

Nancy lived a life rich with simple joys. She loved the color purple, delighted in jigsaw puzzles, and found peace working in her yard and flower beds. She was an avid reader and always had a stack of library books close by. She enjoyed tea parties, holiday decorating, and listening to the music of Neil Diamond. Some people affectionately called her “Fancy Nancy,” a nickname that captured her love of beauty, color, and celebration. To her grandchildren, she was simply Nanny, a role she cherished deeply.

Nancy is survived by two daughters: Stephanie Elaine Lee and husband Bill of Memphis and Amy Elizabeth Andrews and husband David of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Nancy’s capacity to love extended far beyond her biological family. She also leaves behind two women whom she loved deeply as her own daughters: her cherished neighbor and steadfast protector, Kacy Barber of Memphis and Kari Ogle of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Both Kacy and Kari were the daughters of Nancy’s heart, bringing her immense joy, comfort, and unwavering companionship. She is also survived by a friend like a sister, Nancy Gay Lester of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and was preceded in death by another dear friend like a sister, Linda Ann Biggs.

She is also survived by brothers in law Johnny Akers of Monroe, Oregon; David Akers and wife Brenda of Plano, Texas; Michael Akers and wife Teresa of Piggott, Arkansas; and sisters in law Marilyn Low and husband Myron of Piggott, and Brenda Dicus and husband James of Republic, Missouri; a niece raised in the home, Michele Lynn Jones and husband Sid of Kennett, and daughter-in- law, Shelly Little of Jonesboro, Arkansas; along with nieces, nephews and other dear friends.

Nancy leaves behind four grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy: Brooke Elizabeth Gates and husband Cody of Jonesboro; Caitlin Elaine Akers of Jonesboro; Savannah Elizabeth Lee of Memphis, and William Scot Lee of Memphis, along with six great grandchildren.

Nancy will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her servant’s heart, her love of beauty, and her unwavering devotion to her family, church, and community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched with kindness, faith, and quiet strength.

*The family invites everyone to wear Nancy's favorite color - purple, to the services.

Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s honor at Park Ave. Church of Christ, 5295 Park Ave., Memphis, Tennessee 38119

Home https://share.google/9OEDSYWXU5GWXlMSL

or the Robert and Nancy Akers Memorial Endowed Academic Scholarship, Freed-Hardeman University, 158 East Main Street, Henderson, Tennessee 38340

Scholarship Giving Form https://share.google/AFdWqleEdOMjZbt1n

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1724 Southwest Drive, Kennett, Missouri 63857.

Powell Funeral & Cremation Services, Kennett is in charge of arrangements.