Mrs. Betty Ajax Akers

Betty Ajax Akers, 86, passed away on January 3, 2017 at her home, in Starkville. She was born June 5, 1930 in Ripley, MS, the daughter of the late Fred and Miriam Merritt. Betty was a member of First United Methodist Church in Starkville. She attended Mississippi University for Women, and did graduate work at Mississippi State University. She owned Ajax Vending Company in Corinth with her husband Al for 15 years. Betty worked for the Birmingham, Alabama and Corinth, Mississippi Public Library Systems. She also worked for the Corinth and Starkville Public School Systems. One of her greatest joys in teaching was helping others as a G.E.D. instructor. In addition to her parents she is also preceded in death by her first husband; Albert "Al" Thomas Ajax, Jr. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church in Starkville with Dr. Prentiss Gordon, Sr. officiating and assisted by Dr. Giles Lindley. Burial will follow in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include her husband of 19 years Dr. Jim Akers of Starkville; her 2 daughters, Dr. Amy Ajax Crigler (Sid) of Starkville and Alicia Ajax Rast (Richard) of Columbus; 3 Step-Sons, Phil and Steven Akers both of Starkville, and David Akers of Seminole, FL; 8 Grandchildren: Carley Crigler, Coleman Crigler, Chandler Arick, Patricia Reeves, Richie Rast, Meghan Wells, Connor Akers, and Kenton Akers; 6 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Ruth Stewart (Joe W. Sr.) of Starkville. Pallbearers will be Chandler Arick, Coleman Crigler, Joe W. Stewart, Jr., Fred Stewart, Van Miles, and Andrew Dunaway. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Mike Mabry, The Staff of Gentiva Hospice, Betty McDowell, Carol Jones, Annie Madison, Aretha Jordan, Dot Brown, Ethel McGee, Daryl Evans, Mary Norwood, and Janet Abare. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Starkville, P.O. Box 2585, Starkville, MS 39760 or to the ALS Association, 1350 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216. Visitation will be Thursday 12:00-2:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church in Starkville Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Betty Ajax Akers

June 5, 1930 - January 3, 2017