Melissa Melzora Akens Obituary, Bradley County, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Ira Victor Akens - Grandson Date: February 22, 2005 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** Melissa Melzora Akens August 6, 1940 Warren, AR Melissa Melzora Gunn Akens November 23, 1854 August 4, 1940 Mrs. Melissa Melzora Akens, 85 year old native of Cleveland Co., died Sunday night at her home in Warren. She was born November 23, 1854 at Toledo, then Bradley Co. and was the daughter of Elisha Gunn and Matilda Duncan Gunn, pioneers from Tennessee. Mrs. Akens was married to the late John McDornial Akens May 10, 1874. She was a resident of the city of Warren for 40 years. She is survived by three sons: John Thaniel Akens of Warren Ira Victor Akens of Myrtlewood, Alabama William Edward Akens of Chawchilla, Calif. and six daughters: Mrs. J.W. Richey of Bellamy, Alabama Mrs. Charles Jennings of Clarksdale, Miss. Mrs. Ida Smith of Fresno, California Mrs. G.G. Cash of Imperial, California Mrs. William L. Black of Warren Mrs. Robert Wherry of Warren She is survived also by two nephews, Elisha Gunn of Conway and Doris Gunn of Quitman, 34 grandchildren, and 38 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist church on Monday at 4pm. Interment was in Oakland Cemetery by Frazer's Funeral Home. Pall bearers (active) were: Claude Rowland, Gerald Lyon, Elzie Bryant, Steve Anders, Clyde Sloan and Larkin Gray. Honorary pall bearers were: Robert Black of Lake Village, Homer Black of Benton, Gordon Black, Eddie Black, Brown Black, Rufua Wherry, Ray Wherry, Carl Hollis Wherry, Levi Wherry, John Thaniel Akens Jr., Dr. C.E. Gannaway, Dr. L.E. Ellison, Earl Hairston, and Joe Veazey.