Dorothy Marillyn Akers
Dorothy Marillyn Akers, 95, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, passed away on June 30, 2025.
She was born in Cleveland, Tn., to the late Pauline Carruthers and Dillard Eston Cope on June 23, 1930. Asking the Lord for a long and fruitful life alongside her beloved family, she passed away as their matriarch at 95.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Dillard, her husband, James Curtis Akers Sr, and her son Eston Vaughn Akers.
A former member of the Mount Olive Ministries, she had recently been attending The Crossing Church of God. Marillyn graduated from Bible Training School in Cleveland, which is now part of Lee University.
Marillyn and James owned and operated the local Paramount Dry Cleaners, which her father started in 1939. Upon sale of the business, she worked in real estate for Elgin Smith Realty then later retired from Olan Mills having worked in the school division.
Marillyn was saved at the age of 5. She was devoutly involved in the Church of God's ministry having been a member all of her life. She taught collegiate Sunday school for many years and lead many children's Vacation Bible Schools as well. She also traveled around the state speaking in many Churches of God on behalf of Women's Ministries.
Surviving includes her daughter, Linda Colquitt (Rusty) of Signal Mountain, her sons, Rev. Curtis Akers (Alice) of Clinton, Tn., and Mike Akers of Ooltewah, and daughter-in-law, Dianna Akers of Chattanooga. Also, surviving grandchildren are Christi, John, and Mary Kathrine Colquitt, James Akers (Valarie), Chad Akers, Greg Akers, Kellie Hill (Chuck) and great grandchildren Natalie and Elijah Miruka.
Marillyn's funeral will be on Thursday, July 3, at Companion Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Chad Harris and Rev. Gary Sears officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. till time of the service. Her burial will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clinton Church of God, Clinton, Tn., Mount Olive Ministries, Cleveland, Tn., or The Crossing Church, Chattanooga, Tn.