Linda Joyce (Whitman) Rogers Akin's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Linda Joyce (Whitman) Rogers Akin, 79, of Hallsville, Texas, on June 19, 2024. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 29 years, Paul Henry Rogers, son Charles “Chuck” Rogers, brothers Jim and Earl Whitman, and sister Carolyn (Whitman) Ferguson.
Linda was born on February 23, 1945, in Ruston, Louisiana. She attended Choudrant High, marrying her high school love, Paul, in 1961. Moving from Ruston, Louisiana to Hallsville in 1972, they continued raising four children until Paul's death in 1990. Over the years, Linda proved herself to be a jack of all trades. She worked on the assembly line at the Thiokol ammunition plant before transitioning to a secretary and bookkeeper for Roger’s Inspection. Later, she became a jeweler and salesclerk for the Bronze Lion and, subsequently, for McCarley’s.
In 2003, Linda met fellow Little Flock Church member Lynn Akin, and the pair married on December 28 of the same year. Linda enjoyed traveling across the United States in their RV, helping Lynn with Volunteer Christian Builders on various projects and builds.
With a well-earned reputation for her green thumb and love of the outdoors, Linda could often be found digging up flower bulbs, tending her roses, refilling hummingbird feeders, going for walks, or photographing nature. If you couldn’t find her outside, she would most likely be holding court in the kitchen. Many memories were made sitting on top of the sturdy wooden kitchen garbage can, keeping her company as she cooked—unless you were directed to peel potatoes or wash dishes. Linda passed her sweet tooth on to her family- which she satisfied by making her famous Milky Way cake, carrot cake, peanut butter bonbons, and coconut pie to share at family gatherings.
Known as “Gan-Gan” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Linda is fondly remembered for her extensive repertoire of nursery rhymes and songs (especially Hush Little Baby), early mornings with cream of wheat cooled with butter, sugar, and milk…or if you were lucky, biscuit beignets, lovingly crocheted baby blankets, and quick laugh.
Linda leaves behind her husband of 20 years, Lynn Akin, brother Troy Whitman, sister Beverly (Whitman) Cook, children Kay (Scott) McCann, Jeffery (Shelley) Rogers, and Melissa (Brian) Hughes, as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held Sunday, June 23 from 6-8 pm with services Monday, June 24 at 10 am at Rader Funeral Home with interment at Hallsville Cemetery.
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