Dorothy Akins, 92, Columbia, MO, formerly of Springfield, passed away Friday, March 24, 2017 at Lenoir Woods, a Lutheran Senior Services Community. She was born September 18, 1924, in Bolivar, MO, to Sidney Delos and Mary Emma "Mamie" Miller Allen.

She started teaching in 6th grade while helping her mother, Mamie Allen, a teacher, school principal, and community leader. After attending Bolivar HS, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Education from University of Missouri and subsequently worked for the University of Missouri Extension program. On August 25, 1946, Dorothy married Guy Z. Akins in the Oak Grove Methodist Church, Simmons, MO. They moved to Springfield in 1952. She earned a Master's degree in Education from University of Missouri and a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Missouri State University. She taught Home Economics and Nutrition at a number of regional MO schools, including four years at Rogersville HS. She was a professor at Drury College where she taught Home Economics and Clinical Nutrition as well as managed the school's food services and was its head dietician. She was a counselor and taught Clinical Nutrition at St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield. Dorothy started and subsequently sold six knitting-and-sewing businesses with wholesale and retail operations. She was active in numerous social and charitable organizations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy Z. Akins and her brother Arthur Delos Allen. She is survived by her son, Stephen Guy Akins (Helen) of Chicago; and grandsons, Matthew of St. James and Nicholas Akins of Columbia, and their mother, Rochelle of Holts Summit.

Funeral Eucharist services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 30, 2017, in Christ Episcopal Church with the Reverend Kenneth Chumbley officiating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will be in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. No visitation is scheduled; however, friends may call starting at 9 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 601 E. Walnut, Springfield, MO 65806.