Erma (Key) Akins

Erma Key Akins, daughter of the late Hattie Mae Key was born August 8, 1952 in Lafayette County, Mississippi. Erma accepted Christ at an early age and joined Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church. She received her education in the Oxford City School district at Central High School and was a graduate of Central High School's Class of 1970.

After high school, Erma moved to St. Louis, Missouri and later to Nashville TN and finally in her latter years she resided in California. She was united in matrimony to  Claude Akins, who preceded her in death and she was the proud mother of two children, John and Tonja, both of whom preceded her in death. 

Erma was employed in the health care industry (hospital) for over 20 years. She enjoyed cooking, eating, laughing and spending time with family and whenever she came home to Oxford, she enjoyed her fellowship with with her home church, Philadelphia MB Church and with her close friends, Ella Goolsby and Cora Key.

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, after five months of care at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, California, Erma went home to be with the Lord. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Latrell and Lydia Spencer of Nashville TN; her brothers: Eddie (Diane) Key, Jessie (Brenda) Williams both of Oxford MS, and Jesse Houston of Jackson MS, James Williams of Sacramento CA, Floyd (Shirley) Williams of Manassas VA and Alvin Williams of Norfork VA; her sisters: Mattie Brassell of Abbeville MS and Willie Jean Peeler of St. Louis Mo, Ora L. Patten and Annie Stewart both of Oxford MS, she is also remembered by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including close cousin/friend: Ella Goolsby and Cora Key.

Erma is preceded in death by her mother: Hattie Mae Key; her father: Charlie "Bill" Williams; her husband: Claude Akins; her children: John A. Key and Tonja Key-Spencer; and siblings: George Houston, Eddie Frank Houston, Charles Key, Tommy Williams; Selma Williams and Willie Williams.

Please keep the Key family in your prayers