Helen Julia Kelly Akers, age 94, went to be with her Lord on January 23, 2018, at her home in Babson Park, FL.

Helen was born April 16, 1923, in Burlington, KS, to the late Fanny (Skillman) and Oliver Kelly, one of five children.

She was preceded in death by her parents Fanny Alice Skillman and Oliver Jackson Kelly, husband of 59 years Elmer Wayde Akers, son Meridith Akers, sisters Edith Houser and Lydia Mae Allen, and brother Glen Kelly.

She is survived by her sister Effie Lou Simmons of Lawrence, KS; daughters Barbara J. Smith of Lakeland, FL, and Deborah Crosby of Winter Haven, FL; sons Barton Akers and Warren Akers (and wife Patty) of Leesburg, GA; as well as 10 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Helen graduated from Burlington High School, KS. After receiving state certification to teach, she taught in several one-room schoolhouses in Coffee County, KS. The family moved to Florida in 1959 and became Charter Members of the First Christian Church of Babson Park where Helen served as the pianist every Sunday. She was known for her love of family, quilting, baking, and traveling, but she was most passionate about winning others to Jesus Christ through local as well as worldwide missions. Her life of selflessness, gentleness, hospitality, and service is a mighty testament of her faith in the Lord.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, February 3, 2018, at the First Christian Church of Babson Park, 1295 N. Scenic Hwy, Babson Park, FL. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by service at 11:00 AM with Darin Slaymaker, Minister, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church, P.O. Box 855, Babson Park, FL 33827 or Compassionate Care Hospice, 2525 Drane Field Road, Suite 4, Lakeland, Florida 33811.

Interment will be at a later date in Stringtown Cemetery, Burlington, KS.