Mary Elizabeth Akers

MANSFIELD: "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue." (PROV 31:26 CSB) Mary Akers personified the Proverbs 31 woman. A woman of strength, honor and character, Mary supported her family - and the community - in a way that brought glory to God.
All the days of her life complete, Mary Elizabeth Akers passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in her rural Mansfield home surrounded by her three children. She was 88.
Born July 16, 1937, in Mansfield to parents F. Russell Glessner and Virginia H. (Jurgens) Glessner, Mary was proud of her heritage as a lifelong Mansfield resident and a descendant of the Glessner family. She graduated from Mansfield Senior High School with the class of 1955 and went on to earn her BS in Education from The Ohio State University in 1959. While at OSU she pledged Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and met her lifelong best friend, Harlene Palkuti. Mary later did graduate studies at Ohio Wesleyan University.
Her teaching career began at John Simpson Middle School where she taught honors biology and math. She was instrumental in the formation of Safety Town, a preschool program teaching children about safety that spread nationwide. It was through her involvement with Safety Town that she was introduced to a promising young man on a blind date. That introduction blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and on June 25, 1966, at Park Avenue Baptist Church, she married Dr. Henry E. Akers.
Mary paused her career to devote herself to raising her children, later returning to the classroom to teach biology at Shelby High School. She was also a dedicated 4-H advisor for Trailblazer 4-H Club for more than 20 years, served on the Richland County Fair Board Auxiliary, and was a reliable volunteer in the fair hall kitchen. As a "Band Parent," she was actively involved with Band Boosters at both Malabar High School and Mansfield Senior High School.
Mary was a mother who never missed an event. Whether a band event, a horse show, or a granddaughter's tennis match or dance recital, Mary was faithfully present. She nurtured lifelong friendships through her beloved Bridge Club, a group of teachers who gathered monthly for far more than cards.
Her life of faith was woven into every season. A former servant of Diamond Hills Baptist Church, she gave her time in the nursery, on the hospitality committee, and on mission trips to Haiti. At Crossroads Community Church, she volunteered in the bookstore, the tape ministry, and volunteered in the office. Most recently, she was a member of Mosaic Church, where her quiet encouragement and steady faith were a gift to many.
She also supported her husband's career by serving with the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Auxiliary. A proud Buckeye, Mary followed OSU with enthusiasm, offered sound advice without confrontation, and lived her faith with consistency and grace.
She is survived by her children: Dr. Jody Akers (Mark) Hershner of Mansfield, Kristi (David) Johnston of Tiffin, and John (Ann) Akers of Mansfield; and granddaughters Whitney, Brooke, and Elise Johnston.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Henry E. Akers, in 2021; an infant brother, Russell; and her parents.
The Akers family will receive guests Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. A worship service giving glory to God for the life of Mary Akers will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in Mosaic Church, 296 Park Avenue West, Mansfield. Pastor Tony Pingitore will officiate. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mosaic Church.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve the Akers family. Share a memory with them-and watch Mary's tribute video-online at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
"Her children rise up and call her blessed. Many women are capable, but you surpass them all! Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised." Prov 31:28-30 CSB