Big Stone Gap, Va.-Christine Puckett Akens went to be with the Lord Tuesday, February 27, 2024, after an extended illness with Alzheimer’s. Her daughters were able to bring her home after she lived 20 months at The Laurels in Wise. This allowed her to be surrounded by her family and be exactly where she wanted to be as she entered into glory to walk the streets of gold with her heavenly Father.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was born in Haysi, Virginia. Her family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland as young child, where she grew up. She met and married her husband, Herschel David Akens in Baltimore, Maryland in 1965. They later relocated to Big Stone Gap, Virginia in 1973. She attended and was a member of New Hope Assembly of God in Big Stone Gap, since moving to Big Stone Gap (at the time the church was First Assembly of God). She loved the Lord with all her heart and delighted in serving Him by singing in the choir, helping in various capacities of the church. She went back to school at the Lee County Vocational Center, Lee County, Virginia and became an LPN in 1988. She went on to work in the healthcare field until she retired in July 2020. She had such a caring heart for her patients. Her heart for the Lord and her heart for her patient’s spilled over into her latter years despite the Alzheimer’s disease. During her time, at the Laurels, you’d often find her trying to help someone or find her praying with someone. Her kindness was always an example shining in the darkness, a beacon of light. Her family, her children, her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved attending family functions and loved trying new foods. She loved it when someone brought her something new to try, especially sweets.
She is proceeded in death by her husband Herschel David Akens; parents Garmen and Dora Johnson Puckett; sister Brenda Simms; brother Maynard Puckett; and special friend Richard “Dick” Malle’.
She is survived by her daughters, Derissa “Dee” Winchell husband David of Wise, Va., Cherie Cochrane husband Roland of Norton, Va., and Terie Boyd fiancé Andrew Lawson of Big Stone Gap, Va.; brother, James Puckett wife Betty of Westminister, Md.; sister, Theda Brann husband Donnie of Kinsale, Va.; sister, Marcia Smith husband Everett of Culpeper, Va.; brother-in-law, Tom Simms of Randallstown, Md.; sister-in-law Pat Puckett of Monroe, Georgia; sister-in-law Reka Ely of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Kristin Glover husband Harold of Wise, Va.; Brittney James fiancé Carson Coleman of Bristol, Tn., Craig Winchell of Dandridge, Tn., Elizabeth Brooks of Big Stone Gap, Va., Jonah Cochrane of Norton, Va. and Ben Cochrane of Norton, Va.; great-grandchildren Caitlin Glover and Jace Glover of Wise, Va.; Zayden Brooks and Camille Brooks of Big Stone Gap, Va.; and a host of nieces and nephews she loved dearly.
The family will receive friends 11:00am – 1:00pm Saturday, March 2, 2024 at New Hope Assembly of God, 1405 1st Ave., E. in Big Stone Gap. The service will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Wayne Hager officiating.
Burial will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers: David Winchell; Craig Winchell; Roland Cochrane; Harold Glover; Jonah Cochrane; Ben Cochrane; Jace Glover; Carson Coleman; Andrew Lawson
A special thank you to Dr. Christopher Basham and staff for all the compassion and year of care they had for our mother. To the Laurels Retirement and Assisted Living Facility for your care and love. To Palliative & Hospice of Norton for your care, love, dignity and unwavering support during our time of need. You all are the best there in is in the industry.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to New Hope Assembly of God Building Fund, 1405 1st Avenue East, Big Stone Gap, Virginia 24219.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Akens’ family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.