Betty Jean (McClure) Akins of Magness, Arkansas, departed this life on Friday, August 19, 2022, at the age of 88. She was born May 10, 1934, at Paroquet, Arkansas, the daughter of Monroe and Isabelle (Milligan) McClure.
Mrs. Akins was a graduate of Newark High School and retired from White Rogers after 25 years of service. She was an active member of the Newark First Baptist Church, where she loved her church family, and sang in the choir.
Mrs. Akins always had a smile and loved everyone. She had a strong Christian faith and loved hugs at church. Mrs. Akins enjoyed cooking and feeding others. She missed her husband very much and was looking forward to the day they would be reunited.
Mrs. Akins was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Charles Akins, Jr; two granddaughters, Alyssa Holcombe and Jen Treadway; her siblings, Melvin McClure, Edna Smith, VG McClure, Floy Garner, Sarah Magness, Nelson McClure, Roberta Morrison, Johnny McClure, and Lorene Magness; and her parents.
She is survived by four daughters, Debra Treadway and husband, Tommy of Magness, Beverly Roberts and husband, Gary of Magness, Linda Holcombe and husband, Greg of Newark, and Sherry Bear of Batesville; eight grandchildren, Chad Treadway and wife, Gayle, Harmony Hiller and husband, Josh, Shandy Ingles and husband, Steven, Scott Treadway and wife, Priscilla, Mandy Pratt and husband, Roger, Charlie Bridgeman and husband, Josh, Cody Murphree and wife, Kodi, and Hunter Bear; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews; two special caretakers, Brenda Markum and Becky Altom; and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at the funeral home, Sunday, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Monday at Newark First Baptist Church, with interment at Blue Springs Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Chad Treadway, Scott Treadway, Roger Pratt, Jr., Josh Bridgeman, Hunter Bear, Cody Murphree, and Steven Ingles. Honorary pallbearers are Wyatt Treadway, Roger Pratt, Sr., and Cody Melton.
