Obituary of Florence Eileen Akers

Our loving mother Florence Eileen Benner Akers died peacefully on December 1, 2024 in her home with her family by her side. She was 96 years old.

Florence was born May 16, 1928 to Horace and Fern Benner in Newville, Indiana. Florence attended the Indiana School for the Blind graduating in May 1948. She then went on to study Elementary Education at Indiana University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1952.

Florence met the love of her life while attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. She married Allen Lee Akers on May 15, 1954 at the Reorganized Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Florence was proud to work for the Marion County pathologist at the IU Medical Center in Indianapolis as a medical transcriptionist.  Her exceptional spelling and grammatical skills were greatly appreciated in such a complex occupation. 

Florence was a devoted wife and mother, her children were her pride and joy. She always said their births changed her life for the better. Her favorite job in the world was being a mother to them, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She joined the Chapel Hill Lions Club June 1992 as the first female member. She loved kibitzing with the guys and helping her community through the Lion eyeglasses drive and furniture sale.

Her favorite hobby was her garden. She spent over 40 years growing delicious and healthy vegetables which she greatly enjoyed sharing. She loved cooking and serving healthy meals to her family.

Florence always said being handicap is a state of mind not a state of being and took great offense to anyone who referred to her lifelong blindness as a handicap.  Everyone who met Florence felt her special touch and warmth. She was full of grace and dignity as well as being the smartest most incredible, unselfish, caring, honest and true person you could ever meet.

Florence is survived by her three children, Donna L. (Bob) Brooking of Indianapolis, Larry A. (Donna) Akers of Lafayette and Jean M. (Mike) Melloy of Indianapolis. Two sisters Dixie Layman Stouder and Jane Kurial, 5 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Allen of more than 62 years and parents Horace A. and Fern Tarney Benner, brothers Neil Benner and Gail Benner.

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