Willie Mae Sanford Howard Akin

Ms. Willie Mae Sanford Howard Akin, age 91, a resident of Columbia, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019 at Life Care Center.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 12PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Elder Glenn Beard, III officiating. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held on Friday from 5-7PM and again on Saturday from 11AM-12PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

A native of Maury County, Willie Mae was born on February 10, 1927 and was the daughter of the late William Sanford and the late Mary Choate Sanford. She was a member of Mt. Nebo Original Church of God. She previously worked in the office of Dr. Joel Hargrove, was a nurses tech at Maury Regional Medical Center, and a cook at Graymere Country Club and Piggly Wiggly Deli. In addition to cooking, one of her biggest hobbies was fishing.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons: Monte (Bonetia) Howard of Columbia, John (Johnnie) Howard of Columbia; daughters: Jean (Wendell) Davison of Columbia, Jennifer Howard of Spring Hill, Patricia Howard of Georgia; Goddaughter: Elaine Frierson; devoted friends: Taryna Holt, Leisa Watkins Clark; ten grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband: Elder John Henry Howard, Jr.; second husband: Deacon Sandy Akin; daughter: Juanita Perkins; granddaughter: Tracy Howard; and brothers: Edward, Charlie, and Bill.