Photo courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin
Ballwin, Missouri
Jan 22, 1931 – Mar 26, 2024
Akers, Meryl T. (nee Johnson) 93, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Beloved wife of the late James E. Akers for 55 years. Loving mother of Kathryn Akers, James Jr. (Donna) Akers, Susan (John) Blattel and William (Janine) Akers. Devoted grandmother of Christopher Akers, Amanda (Justin) Ahlheim, Mary Beth Akers, Andrew Blattel, Sarah Akers, Nicholas Blattel, Olivia Akers, Elizabeth Akers, and Addilyn Akers. Godmother of Brian Firlit and the late Frank Johnson III. Sister of Kathryn (George) Firlit and the late Frank (Patricia) Johnson. Sister-in-law of the late Margie (late William) Vines. Dear aunt of Margaret Haugh, Regina McDougal, Neil Firlit and the late Christopher Firlit. Dear great-aunt, cousin and friend to many.
Meryl was born in Chicago, Illinois to Frank and Bernice (nee Finn) Johnson. As a child, she loved playing the piano, ballet and tap dancing. After the family moved to Detroit in the early 1940s, she attended Marygrove College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She taught middle school English in the Detroit Public School System for 8 years while completing a Master of Arts in Political Science.
In 1958, her brother Frank introduced her to Jim Akers, his best friend and colleague at Shell Oil’s Roxana, Illinois refinery. They had a long- distance relationship, with Jim flying to Detroit monthly to visit Meryl and her family, until 1960 when they were married. Shortly after the wedding, they moved to St. Louis where they raised their four children. Continuing her dedication to education, she served as president of Our Lady of Loretto School Board and volunteered weekly at the Rosary High School library for over 20 years. Meryl also had a passion for the Fox Theatre, St. Louis Symphony, Blues hockey and of course, teaching her children and grandchildren the proper use of the English language.
Many thanks to Christy, Artena, Bri and Haley, for their compassionate care that allowed Meryl to stay at home for her final 4 years.
Services: Funeral Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 9:40 a.m. from SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin to St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, Ellisville for a 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Society of St. Vincent de Paul or The Backstoppers. Visitation Monday, April 8, 2024 from 5-8 p.m. Friends may sign the family’s online guestbook at Schrader.com.
Read MoreMay God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Christine Juiris
April 09, 2024 | Vernon Hills, IL | Friend
With Deepest Sympathies to the Akers Family,
I have wonderful memories of Mrs. Akers, and the many days during my childhood that she was like a second mother to the Rosary Lane boys. She was an incredible woman with a heart of gold. She will be greatly missed.
Much love to the family.
Todd Neel
April 08, 2024 | St. Louis, MO | Neighbor
My sincere and heartfelt sympathy goes out to you kids, grandkids and great grandkids. I am sure you will have many, many wonderful memories to look forward to of this wonderful lady. I still hold fun memories of our visits to Kootz Lake where we always stayed at your grandma’s (Bernice if I have my generations
straight) place there. Love to all. Dorothy and Family.
Dorothy Finn
April 05, 2024 | Schererville, IN | Family
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Carol Finn Bruno
April 03, 2024 | Family
Merle was so good to me and my family. We would spend time together at her cottage and ours at Koontz lake Indiana. Best times of my life. Forever grateful to know such an incredible woman.
Bob Karczewski
April 01, 2024 | Orland Park, IL | Family
Meryl was a dear friend and neighbor of my late aunt, Bernice Hoehne. The times Meryl and I spoke and corresponded, she was a kind soul and a good friend to my aunt. My sympathy and thoughts to Meryl's family from Colorado, where I live.
Carolyn Arnold-Marsh
March 31, 2024 | Other
