Barbara Ann Rivers Akins, 88, of Chicago’s Avalon Park neighborhood, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones.
She was highly social, positive and beautiful—Barbara even modeled in Chicago. At 60, she won a medal in “Race Walking” for the Senior Olympics and enjoyed staying active all her life.
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Barbara graduated from Parker High School. She held a position in customer service at Citi Bank on 87th street for many years; following her retirement, she worked at Marshall Field’s in the Bed and Linens department. Barbara was a talented seamstress and quilter; she also enjoyed gardening and baking.
She was very proud of her Chicago Bungalow, taking great pride in her flower boxes in front of her home and the garden out back. Her family will miss her baking of pound cakes, the neighborhood birds will miss her regular feedings, and her presence and smile will be missed at the Center on Halsted and Center on Cottage Grove, where she was “everybody’s momma.”
Proudest mother of Anthony James and Betty Ann Akins. Fond sister of Michael Rivers and Carlyn (Anthony) Tucker.
Aunt to Danielle (Elson Keith) Williams, Jacqueline (Rodney) Lewis, Michael Rivers, adopted son Gustave “Gus” Rothberg, Tonay Tucker and Aaron (Grace) Tucker. Great Aunt to Jessica Williams, Jocelyn Williams, Brandon Johnson and Aaron Zachary “AZ” Tucker. Great-great aunt to Trejohn Williams, Kiara Johnson, Jacob Johnson and Arielle Harris.
Very special friend and longtime partner of Leonard Gayton; together they enjoyed 24 years of companionship and an active life.
Preceded in death by her husband Douglas C. Akins, and parents James and Ena Rivers.
An outdoor celebration of life is being planned for summer of 2025; check back here for updates. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care,773-318-1305.