Geraldine Hope Atkins

Geraldine Hope Akins, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at her home in Cleveland, Oklahoma at the age of 83 years, five months and sixteen days. Geraldine was born on September 10, 1930, in Okemah, Oklahoma.'  She was the daughter of Clyde H. and Mable Alta (Cross) Bybee.'  As a young girl Geraldine moved with her family to California.'  Following the hopes and of prosperity during the Great Depression.'  During her time in California, Geraldine soon had to begin working to help provide for her family.'  She worked in local restaurants as well as working in the fields harvesting fruits and vegetables.'  Geraldine later returned to Oklahoma and was united in marriage to Bill Larsen in Oklahoma City in 1952.'  The couple remained in Oklahoma City and to that union there was one son Bruce.'  Geraldine was later united in marriage to Lonnie Akins on July 14, 1958, in Gainesville, Texas and to that union there is one daughter Diana.'  Following their marriage they established their home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.'  Geraldine was employed with Western Electric assembling circuit boards.'  Geraldine worked there for several years prior to being injured on the job and was never able to return.'  In 1973, Lonnie retired from Tinker Air Force Base and the couple moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma. '  Geraldine was a very outgoing person and always met everyone with a smile.'  Geraldine was previously very active in the Cleveland Senior Citizens.'  She would spend many hours painting ceramics and playing canasta with the women.'  Geraldine would also enjoy the times with Lonnie going fishing.'  She was very family oriented and loved spending time with her grandchildren never missing a sporting or school event. '  Survivors are her two children Bruce and his wife Charlotte Larsen of Holland, Ohio; Diana and her husband George King of Cleveland, Oklahoma; step son Jim and his wife Gail Akins of Titusville, Florida; three grandchildren Silas, Lonnie and Anthony, three step grandchildren Debra, Donna and Lori, two great grandchildren Vashti and Ezra as well as numerous other relatives and friends that will mourn her passing.'  In addition to her parents Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband Lonnie Akins, siblings Violet, Opal, Clyde, Jack, Bill, Esther, Mable, March, Doris and Frank. Church services will be held 10:30 am Monday, March 3, 2014, at the First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Dan Edens officiating.'  Private burial will be held in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. '