Mrs. Joan Marie Banks Akins, age 90, of Suwanee, GA, formerly of Toccoa, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024, at her home.

Born November 14, 1933, in Greenville, SC, she was the daughter of the late Claude Theo and Lorena Granger Banks.

During her childhood, Mrs. Akins lived in Greenville, SC, moved to Macon, GA, then to Columbia, SC where she married William Jacob Akins.  They were married for 47 years, and lived in Buffalo, NY, Norcross, GA, Hartwell, GA, and Suwanee, GA.  During her adolescent years, Mrs. Akins was in the BETA club, and was selected as an exchange student.  She earned her Bachelor degree from Mercer University in Macon, GA.  She was a homemaker, office manager, and had a catering business.  Her proudest family moments were the births of her two sons, and seeing the college graduation of her oldest son.  Her proudest civic involvement was having her quilts selected to hang in the museum in Anderson, SC.

Family members include her sons, William "Bill" Akins (Hollie) of Buford, GA, and Christopher Akins (Didi) of Griffin, GA; granddaughter, Jessica Light; and grandsons, Ethan Akins and Chris Aviles.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Jacob Akins.

The family will receive friends at the mortuary from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at ten-thirty Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Paul Flood officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenville Memorial Gardens, 7784 Augusta Road, Piedmont, SC  29673.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010, Rockville, MD  20852-3914.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net

Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Joan Marie Banks Akins.