Dawn Akers

Dawn Akers, 54, of Brookland, died Thursday at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Born in Michigan, Dawn moved to Brookland in 1986. She worked in management for Papa John’s Pizza in Jonesboro for several years before becoming disabled. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro and the Book Club at the Jonesboro Public Library.

While living in Detroit, Dawn was a member of the Grease Paint Players Actors Group and was a professional clown named “Sweetheart” for childrens’ parties. She was a member of the Nettleton High School Athletic Boosters Club.

Dawn was an amazing mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her greatest achievement in life is her son Matthew. All who knew her admired her for two-year battle with breast cancer as well as the strength and courage she displayed throughout her entire life from the beginning to the very end. She was preceded in death by her father, Curtis B. Akers.

Survivors include her son, Matthew C. “Matt” Akers, a senior at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina;

Her mother, Ginger Akers of Brookland;

2 brothers, Michael Akers of Brookland and Daniel Akers of Hot Springs;

2 sisters and brother-in-law: twins Susan Moore of Trumann and Ruby and Eddie Mead of Blytheville;

2 nieces and their spouse, Amanda and Tyler Cook of Rock Island, Illinois, and Callie Moore of Trumann; 2 nephews and spouse, James Moore of Jonesboro and Jim Ed and Alexis Mead of Dyersburg, Tennessee; and a great niece, Haley Mead of Wisconsin.

Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 3:30 in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Jim Mead of Jonesboro officiating. Burial will be private.

Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon from 2:00-3:30 in Emerson Chapel.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 400 East St., Jonesboro, AR 72401, or the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, 904 Autumn Rd., Suite 500, Little Rock, AR 72211.

A memorial facebook page has been established at R.I.P D Akers 09/15/11, designed by Miss Callie Lynn Moore.