Reba Shell Akers

Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations

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Posted by: Holman Mortuaries
[email protected]
(334)585-5261
Date: May 27 2015 8:22 AM

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CALIFORNIA. . .Reba Frances Shell Akers passed away peacefully in her home in Citrus Heights, California on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 20, 2015, just three days before her 97^th birthday. Her son, Thomas Shell Akers and daughter, Janice Elizabeth Akers, were at home with her during a week of hospice care prior to her passing.

            Reba Shell was born in Enterprise, Alabama on May 23, 1918 to Henry County physician Dr. Lovick Pierce Shell, who opened the first hospital in Abbeville, the Shell Clinic-Hospital, and Effie Mae Mathison Shell. She had two older brothers, Reverend Merlin Pierce Shell and Dr. James Robert Shell and a sister-in-law, Ruth Searcy Shell.

            Reba grew up in Abbeville, Alabama, marrying Thomas (Tom) Harold Akers on July 21, 1945 in the United Methodist Church. Reba met Tom while she served as civilian staff at Fort Rucker during WWII, typing orders for the American troops. Reba moved to Califonia after Tom finished his tour of duty in Japan. Reba attended the University of Alabama from 1934-1938, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree. She taught in public education in Dale County, Alabama and was a substitute teacher for several years in California.

            Reba descended from a long line of Methodist ministers. Her maternal grandfather was James Levin Mathison, circuit-riding minister, born in Henry County in 1843. By 1882, James Levin was serving eleven churches with a total of about a thousand members. Two of his brothers, Reba’s great uncles, also became Methodist ministers: George Washington Mathison and John Wesley Mathison. James Levin served in company H, the 37^th Regiment during the Civil War and was wounded at the battle of Lookout Mountain in Tennessee. Reba’s Mathison uncles, John Ardis, Albert Lee and Charles Wesely were also Methodist ministers. Reba’s mother, Effie Mae, was a long-time member of the Abbeville United Methodist Church, actively serving in many charitable and civic capacities. On her father’s side, Reba’s third great-grandfather, Stephen Shell, hosted John Wesley appointee Francis Asbury, the first general superintendent or bishop of American Methodism. Stephen Shell was later ordained as deacon Francis Asbury.

            Reba loved to study history and her family ancestry. She served as historian for the Fort Sumter UDC in California and read numerous books on both the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. She was also fond of poetry, keeping an anthology by her bed and quoting her favorites aloud. Reba was an avid gardener, carefully tending her roses. She also enjoyed painting in watercolors and oil, many of her paintings hanging over the years in both her Citrus Heights and Abbeville homes. Reba loved music, particularly classical, and one of her greatest joys was to hear her son Tom play the piano. Reba and her family made annual summer trips from California to visit her family and friends in Abbeville.

            She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Harold Akers (2004), her brothers, Reverend Merlin Pierce Shell (1998) and Dr. James Robert Shell (1981). Reba is survived by her son, Thomas Shell Akers, Sacramento, California, daughter, Janice Elizabeth Akers and son-in-law, Timothy Kerrill McDonough, Atlanta, Georgia, and many beloved nieces and nephews in California, Georgia and Virginia.

            Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 at 11:30 A.M. in the Abbeville United Methodist Church, Abbeville, Alabama with Reverend Ray Kelly officiating. Burial will follow in the Abbeville Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 11:30 A.M. Friday in the Family Life Center. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.

 

           

HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com.

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