Margaret Powell Akins
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Margaret Powell Akins, 80, of Lawrence, KS passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on June 25th, 2019 in Irvine, CA after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born in Shreveport, LA to Sally and Mastern Powell, and had an older sister Sally Ann who predeceased her. She spent her childhood in Minden, LA, where she graduated Valedictorian of Minden High School and also excelled as a swimmer, lifeguard, and was an accomplished pianist.
She attended Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport, LA where she was active in choir, and graduated with honors and a B.A. in Mathematics. She met her husband Dee W. Akins III (“Bud”) there and they married on September 30, 1960 in Shreveport. They had two children, Stephen and Kevin.
Margaret was a well-known and much-loved math teacher for many years in Lawrence, KS. She first taught at Central Junior High in the early 1960s and then at South Junior High when it opened in 1969. She taught algebra and geometry to multiple generations of fortunate students. She also enjoyed coaching volleyball and being the MATHCOUNTS Team coach for several years. Margaret had a reputation for putting high expectations on her students and running a “tight ship” in her classes. As a result, she was an excellent teacher for all levels of students, making algebra and geometry understandable and fun for everyone she taught. She was also an ever-present fixture of discipline and authority for lunch duty every day in the SJHS cafeteria. Most importantly, she was also known for tempering her high expectations with genuine care for every student. She retired in 2004 after teaching for more than 44 years.
In retirement Margaret was an avid reader, loyal Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan, accomplished bridge player, she loved her dogs, and was a terrific cook of Southern cuisine. She could cook up a mean pot of gumbo or collard greens, and never turned down an opportunity to invite a gathering of folks to share it with. Her home was always open to friends who needed a good meal or a place to rest their head.
Margaret is survived by her husband Dee of Irvine, CA, son Steve and spouse Sabina and granddaughter Emily of Cary, NC, and son Kevin and spouse Anh Thu of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, and grandson Jonathan of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by numerous adoring nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family and friends.
Margaret loved people and loved the beautiful life she lived. There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday July 13 at 1:00pm at The W Banquet Hall at 704 Connecticut Street in Lawrence. Margaret’s remains will be interred at Lawrence Memorial Park under the direction of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
My deepest sympathy to your family. Mrs. Akin was my favorite teacher and gave me my love of numbers and algebra. From a former SJHS student and teachers aide.
Dee, Steve, and Kevin
I was so sorry to read about Margaret.
I treasure the many years I got to spend knowing her. I’ve never met a more caring, giving and, often a little sarcastic!!, woman. She wore so many hats, the least of which was the epitome of a “teacher”. On several occasions I saw her and Dee out conversating with former students. You could easily tell how much they respected and adored her because she felt the same way about them. She never gave up on anyone. There was no thing as her going the extra mile when it came to her “kids”. We all hope that when our time is up, our life has changed the world for the better. For her, that hope is a reality.
She’ll leave a big hole in my heart but even a bigger smile of my face.
With love..
So sorry to hear about Margaret she was my math teacher at south jr high she was quite a teacher. I learned a lot from her
I didn’t pay attention in class she was always after me to listen. She will be greatly missed
Kevin, Steve and Dee,
I’m so sorry to hear about Margaret’s passing. She was a wonderful and outgoing lady. She helped me so much with algebra at South. She will be missed.
Dee, Kevin, Steve:. SIncere sympathy to all of you on the passing of Margaret. She will be remembered as a neighbor, a friend, and my children’s junior high math teacher. May the memories each of you has of your life with her become a treasure to you.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was a wonderful teacher. She spent hours with me after school when I was in the 9th grade. No matter how hard she tried, I just could not get algebra. I can’t believe how patient she was with me. Mrs. Akins, being the kind hearted person she was, gave me D- even though I didn’ get a single problem correct….lol. I passed. Bless her. I contacted her the next year because I finally got it and never missed another Algebra problem again. I give your Mom all the credit. Hugs and condolences.
What wonderful childhood and high school memories I have of Margaret (Punkin’) Powell when we were growing up in that small but loving North Louisiana town of Minden. Margaret was a standout at anything she did and she accomplished so many things with such ease that it made her the envy of her peers. Our families were very close, as my mother and Margaret’s mother grew up together and were like sisters. Our paths crossed again in 1969-70 when I was a graduate student at KU and she was the same free spirit that I remembered from our school days. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Bud and his family on the loss of such a wonderful and exemplary woman. My wife Linda is afflicted with Alzheimer’s too and I know what a trying and stressful time this disease is for the family. James L (Jim) Ford and Linda
I guess I have not seen Margaret since graduating from Minden High School. We were all so fortunate to grow up in that “small but loving North Louisiana town” as described by James Ford. She was always so brilliant in math—which I was not! I do remember her compassion and care for other students. When I went overseas to teach in 1965, I lost touch with many from my class. While I have not met you, Jim, please know that I will be praying for you and your family at this sad time.
Both my kids are on my side of 50 now. They both took math courses from Margaret Akins at South Junior High School. They both think that Margaret Akins was one of the best teachers they ever had. Hers was a life well lived.
To her relatives: Be proud of her.
Margaret was one of the finest teachers I had, and our close friendship continued
for many years after my Ninth grade year at Central. Her discipline and professionalism in the classroom made learning Algebra strictly business which I was always grateful for. To Bud, Steve and all, may her spirit continue to inspire each and everyone of you.