Norma Gaskins Akins, 88, of Lakeland, GA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at her home surrounded by family and friends.

She was born May 3, 1931, in Berrien County to the late William Key "W.K." Gaskins and Shellie Lamar Mathis Gaskins.

With a love of the humanities, she taught school in Berrien, Cook, and Lowndes counties, influencing children and passing on to them her passion for learning. She also volunteered as a Spanish teacher at Nashville United Methodist Preschool for many years. In her retirement, she purchased and restored a historical landmark in Lakeland, GA, which served as her home for nearly 30 years. Passersby would see her rocking on her front porch with the numerous neighborhood cats. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Nashville.

She is survived by her daughter, Amelia Matthews (Joe) of Nashville and grandchildren Joshua Matthews of Orlando, FL, Dr. Caleb Matthews of Indianapolis, IN, and Teal Matthews of Nashville; a sister, Geraldine Forehand of Nashville, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the caretakers that helped take care of Ms. Norma in the past few years, especially Rachael Visconti.

Pallbearers will include Brion Akins, Parrish Akins, Jimmy Benefield, Bob Clyatt, Greg Forehand, William Forehand, Joshua Matthews, Jason Moore, and Robert Pierson.

A celebration of her life will take place on Friday, July 26, 2019 beginning with visitation at Lovein Funeral Home in Nashville, Georgia from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be the following day, Saturday, July 27, 2019, at 11 AM in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with Rev. Danny Lewis and Dr. Keith Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Cemetery. Memorials are requested to your favorite charity.