Doris''™ childhood in Coleman, Arkansas, is captured in wonderful books by her brother, Walter Carter, Honey in the Beegum, and her sister Glenda, My Life at Route 3, Box 32.
She went on to graduate from Drew Central High School in 1952. During those years, she was an exceptional basketball player. Her dad, Bo Tucker, delighted in watching her play guard and attended all her games! Then Doris met a tall, dark, and handsome young preacher at Pleasant Springs Baptist Church. He was invited to the Tucker house for Sunday dinner, as they usually hosted the visiting preacher. The rest is history.
Because they were only 18, Doris and Richard obtained their parents''™ permission to marry. They immediately moved to Little Rock so Richard could attend the Missionary Baptist Seminary.
Richard and Doris raised four great children while simultaneously exercising their spiritual gift of hospitality. It was their delight to open their homes to missionaries, pastors, and family members for extended stays. Doris was a great cook. She had a very sunny and gracious disposition. She was beautiful, with those blue eyes, flawless complexion, and engaging smile. She and Richard never met a stranger. It was their delight to host large groups at their home from Pauline Missionary Baptist Church or for school reunions in Monticello and at Drew Central.
Doris was also a businesswoman with a talent for banking. She began her banking career as a teller immediately after high school. Later, when their children were growing up, she served as a branch manager at Metropolitan National Bank and later First National Bank in Little Rock. When they moved back to Monticello, she became a branch manager of Commercial Bank.
Their marriage and partnership made a statement wherever they went. They enjoyed traveling on fall foliage trips up the East Coast or cross-country to see childhood friends and historical sites, or overseas to visit with Doris''™ brother''™s family. Many years ago, they fell in love with Branson, Missouri, where they attended many different shows and shared their favorites with friends and family. They bought a large second home, which they generously shared with church groups and ministry teams.
Doris and Richard are longtime members of Pauline Missionary Baptist Church, where she enjoyed being involved with the Pacers group. But most of all, Doris cherished the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were famous for afternoon swim parties and fabulous cookouts. Doris and Richard celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary on August 28, 2026.
In addition to her parents and her sister, Kathleen Garner, Doris was preceded in death by her son, Richard Lee Akin, and two grandsons, Johnny McMahan III and Jorre Akin McMahan. Survivors include her husband of 73 years, Richard Akin of Monticello; one son, Mike Akin and wife Susan of Monticello; two daughters, Jan Akin Savage and husband Steve of Monticello, and Reenae Akin Mullahey and husband Steve of Dana Point, California; a brother, Walter Carter Tucker of Hartwell, Georgia; a sister, Glenda Tucker Baker of Little Rock; grandchildren, John Akin and wife Cara, Rebecca Copico and husband Ryan, Jessica Akin Roberts and husband Seth, Jacie Carol McMahan, Scott Mullahey, Matthew Mullahey, and Abby Mullahey; great-grandchildren, Jack Akin, Cate Akin, June Akin, Lily Copico, Ben Copico, Sam Copico, Mikey Copico, Rori Roberts, and Remi Roberts; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Pauline Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Walter Carter Tucker, Brother Robert Leonard and Brother Ryan Copico officiating. There will be a visitation one hour preceding the funeral service at the church. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Doris' great grandchildren, Jack Akin, Cate Akin, June Akin, Lily Copico, Ben Copico, Sam Copico, Mikey Copico, Rori Roberts and Remi Roberts.
Condolences(9)
Terri England
Bryant, AR Sunday, September 20, 2026 I met Mrs. Doris when she and, her husband, Bro. Richard Akin were ministering at Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mrs. Doris was always willing to help with the kids at Bible school and church camp. She was a very sweet lady who raised her four kids in the love of the Lord. I enjoyed knowing her very much. Heaven has my mother too. She passed away July 15, 2026. I am praying for you!Patricia Gail Morrison-Purifoy
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, September 15, 2026 Dear Akin family, As I read about Ms. Doris passing, it brought me back to the time at Unity Missionary Baptist Church when Pastor Akin served the congregation. Ms.Doris was an excellent pastor's wife. Her sweet smile & wonderful laugh always place a smile on your face.God bless the family. God has collected another angel.
Much love, Patty Morrison-Purifoy
Stacy Cater
Monticello, AR Monday, September 14, 2026 My deepest sympathies to the family. May God provide you with comfort.Rita Reid (Woodruff)
Gruver, TX Sunday, September 13, 2026 May God wrap his arms around the family during this time of loss. Doris is resting peacefully in the arms of heavens angels.God bless you all. Love Rita
Buster and Diane Newman
Monticello, AR Saturday, September 12, 2026 Such a beautiful lady, inside and out. It’s been our pleasure, joy, and blessing to have known her and spent time with her and her family. What a wonderful legacy she leaves behind. Mom Doris, we will miss your beautiful smile but will see you again in that beautiful place called Heaven. Much love to the family. ??Marsha Carter
Benton, AR Saturday, September 12, 2026 I’m so sorry to hear that Mom Doris has passed. She was such a special and beautiful lady. Love and prayers to the family. ????Robin Johnson
Little Rock, AR Saturday, September 12, 2026 Mr. Richard and family,I am sorry for your loss and know Ms. Doris is being told by God, thank you for a job well done. Words could not ever express what a gracious and beautiful human being she was. Treasure the memories and love she had for each of you. God bless you all. Robin Johnson and Family
Cindy France
Branson, MO Friday, September 11, 2026 I loved Doris! She was a special lady. I enjoyed doing her hair when they were in Branson. I know Richard will miss her. Please know I am thinking about you.Dorothy Glover
Monticello, AR Friday, September 11, 2026 My sweet friend is resting in her heavenly home I will miss her Dorothy Glover