Arlene (Houston) Akins

Arlene Akins was born on April 14, 1954 to Sam and Anna Mable Houston in Bastrop, Texas.  Arlene was number 12 of 13 children, the baby girl.  Arlene attended school in Bastrop, Texas and spent most of her professional career teaching in the Austin Independent School District and subsequently embarking on entrepreneurial ventures with her loving and devoted husband, Darnell Akins.  A well-lived life including memories of travels with her husband, spending time with family, growing up in Hills Prairie, Texas, and hanging out with her sisters were some of her fondest memories. 

Almost 21 years ago, Arlene entered into holy matrimony with Darnell Akins on August 30, 1999.  Arlene was the doting mother to Destrech Deshun Houston and Sterling Bernard Burton (deceased).  She became “Granny” to Darrell Eugene Houston Blaylock in 2006 and spent every available moment she could being the best “Granny” he could have ever wanted.   Arlene possessed a spirit of love and giving to her family – family was everything to her.

She is preceded in death by her son, Sterling Bernard Burton, her parents, Sam and Anna Mable Houston, four sisters, Mamie L. Houston, Sally M. Williams, Johnnie M. Howard, Ruthie Mae Brown and three brothers, Sam Houston, Jr., J.H. Houston and Marvin R. Houston. 

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Darnell Akins, her daughter; Destrech Deshun Houston (Darrell),  and the joy of her heart, her grandson Darrell Eugene Houston Blaylock, four sisters and one brother; Ora J. Miller, Henrietta Faykus, Ella L. Lockridge (Willie), Delorice F. Franks (Hiawatha) and Willard L. Houston and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews and many friends who will all miss her endearing spirit and smiling face.  Our family is so thankful for the years that God shared her with us and although our hearts are broken, we are at peace.

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