Obituary of Venita Lou Terry Akers

Venita Lou Terry Akers, 94, passed away in her sleep on Saturday, October 7, 2017, after a short illness.Venita was born on February 23, 1923, in DeLeon, Texas and attended DeLeon public schools until her graduation as Valedictorian of her class in 1941. She moved to Fort Worth and worked for Montgomery Ward and later for Consolidated Lockeed as an executive secretary.While in high school, Venita had met Robert Akers of Gorman, Texas at a skating rink, where they were both star skaters and as she used to say, “and we’ve been skating together ever since.” They dated until his entrance into the Army in 1942. In February of 1943, Venita, along with her aunt, traveled to El Paso where Robert was stationed before being sent overseas and the two married there on March 1, 1943.Robert went on to serve in Africa, Italy and France while Venita returned to her work in Fort Worth where she managed to purchase a home by renting the majority of the house to her supervisor and his family. That was the only home Robert and Venita ever owned; they happily lived there until 2011 when they both entered a nursing home.The couple adopted a daughter Brenda Lea, in 1959, and Venita retired to look after their daughter. Venita loved God, was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, she was pretty, smart, a good cook, a happy camper, and fun to know.Robert and Venita led physically active lives enjoying dancing at the Senior Center, buying a trailer and visiting almost all the lower 48 states. They lived simple, frugal, Christian lives and were happily married for 69 years.They were active and supportive members of Arlington Heights United Methodist Church. The family wishes to thank Venita’s doctors, nurses and special friends, including Liz Chisham; and the staff of West Side Campus of Care and Magnolia Hospice for their concern and care for Venita.Venita was preceded in death by her parents, Burl and Maggie Hardin Terry , her husband Robert, her daughter Brenda, her six brothers, Raymond, Edward, Eli, Curtis, Travis and Elgie and their wives; and by her two sisters, Ivy Tate and Gladys Mathis and their husbands.Survivors: She is survived by her son-in-law, Corey Williams, and numerous nieces and nephews including Linda Terry Pease of Huntsville, Nelson Terry of Abilene, Texas, and Wayne Terry of Anson, Texas; Leta Terry Loudermilk of Burleson; Karen Stephens of Big Spring, Shirley Edwards of Lubbock, and Roger Terry of Lubbock; Carolyn Terry and Wanda Terry of Fort worth; and Terry Joe Mathis of Rule, Texas.