Mary Katherine Akins

Posted on April 24, 2026

Mary Katherine Akins of Crystal River, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026. She was born on Sept. 3, 1935, in West Helena, Ark., to Ralph and Altie Slaughter. Katherine lived a life centered on faith, family and love. She stood faithfully by her husband’s side as they traveled across the United States and around the world while he preached the Gospel, touching countless lives along the way. Together, they helped build mission schools and churches in Jamaica and Brazil, leaving a lasting impact on many communities. Katherine and her husband also traveled to Europe to attend Billy Graham’s worldwide conference and training. On one especially meaningful journey, she visited Israel, Greece, Cyprus, Rome and the pyramids of Egypt – experiences she carried with her and cherished deeply. Katherine married her sweetheart, Leon Akins, on Dec. 30, 1950, and they shared 74 beautiful years of marriage. She was a member of New Home Baptist Church of Perry, where her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. Katherine had a deep love for her family and cherished every moment spent with them. She was known not only for her devotion and kindness, but also for her fun, silly spirit and her spirited, “spitfire” attitude that brought laughter and life to every room she entered. Especially when she yelled “LEON!” She had a special way of keeping everyone on their toes while making them feel deeply loved. She found joy in life’s simplest moments. She often shared stories of living in a one-room cabin with two babies, without a bathroom or a car, and would lovingly say those were some of the happiest days of her life – because she had her family. She especially enjoyed painting, shopping with her grandchildren, traveling and creating lasting memories filled with joy and laughter. Katherine also loved making traditions with her family. She delighted in taking her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to Disney World, where she enjoyed staying right at the parks and soaking in every moment. Sundays were always special to her, as she opened her home to family and friends for meals, fellowship and time together. She is survived by: her children, Bryant (Phyllis) Akins and Kathy (Chris) Forrest; her grandchildren, Bryant (Eva) Akins, Jolie (Mike) Madden, Matthew (Tiffany) Akins, Joshua Forrest, Jason Forrest, Sean (Anastasia) Forrest, Jordan Hatfield, Jon Hatfield and Jeremy Hatfield; and her great-grandchildren, Kaylee (Nathan) Nawlin, Kristina Akins, Melissa Robinson, Kya Akins, Brianna Akins, Olivia Madden, Wyatt Hatfield, Abram Forrest, Abigail Forrest, Ophelia Forrest and Arinna Korkmaz as well as a eight great-great grandchildren; and two great-great-greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Leon Akins; her son, Danny Akins; her granddaughter, Lori Akins; her brother, Eugene Slaughter; and her parents. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 25, at 12 noon at New Home Baptist Church of Perry. “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23) Katherine’s legacy of faith, love and laughter will live on in all who knew her.