Patricia Ann (Holland) Akin

A time of Visitation will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Cammack Family Welch Funeral Home.

Patricia Ann Akin, known affectionately as Pat to her friends and family, made her grand exit from the world stage on June 27, 2024, after a lifetime filled with laughter, love, and the kind of selfless devotion that would make even Mother Teresa take notes. Born on April 8, of 1952, in the humble town of Moorhead, MN, Pat spent her early years mastering the art of Minnesotan niceness before heading south to bring her talents to Longview, TX, where she took her final bow.
Pat's life was a beautiful medley of caring for others and embracing every joyous moment. After graduating from Coronado High School in El Paso, TX, she embarked on a career that involved two of her greatest passions: nurturing young minds and making gardens flourish. From wrangling toddlers as a lifelong child caregiver to ensuring every plant at Lowe's Garden Center received her trademark pep talk, Pat's nurturing touch was legendary. She even managed to keep her wits about her during the occasional retail chaos at Target, which is no small feat!
A devout follower of Jesus, Pat often said her faith was the secret to her eternal optimism, right alongside her love for Hallmark and Christmas movies. She could debate the true meaning of Christmas with the best of them, all while herding ducks, chickens, and goats with the skill of a seasoned shepherd.

Family was the cornerstone of Pat's world. Her son, Eric, and daughter, Brandy, along with their respective spouses, Aimee and Tommy, were her pride and joy. Her grandchildren, Chelsea, Zack, Andrew, Abigail, Jaxon, Peter, and Elise, were the apples of her eye, and she boasted of their achievements so often you'd think they invented sliced bread. The great-grandkids, Lylah, Maleah, Levi, Dahlia, and Selah, were her encore performance, each one of them a testament to her boundless love. And let's not forget the extended family band featuring Mandy Bowden, Mallory and Mazie Kitchen, and Emily Riddle, who all played their parts in the symphony of Pat's heart.

Pat's interests were as eclectic as her ability to make anyone smile. She could tell you which duck was most likely to win in a staring contest and which goat had the best chance at a career in landscaping. Her chickens were not just egg-layers; they were confidantes and the audience to her daily stand-up routine. Words like selfless, kind, and loving might sound like a trio of overused adjectives, but for Pat, they were the essence of her very being. She had a heart so big it's a wonder it fit inside her chest, and she gave of herself with the kind of generosity that left people wondering if she had a secret stash of love somewhere.

Pat's sense of humor was as infectious as her spirit. She could find the funny in the mundane, the silver lining in every cloud, and the punchline in every situation. Her laughter was the kind that could light up a room and her wit, the kind that could defuse any tension.

As we bid farewell to the incomparable Patricia Ann Akin, let's not dwell on the silence left in her wake. Instead, let's remember the countless moments of joy she brought into our lives, the laughter she inspired, and the love she spread as effortlessly as butter on warm toast. Pat may have left the building, but her encore will resonate in the hearts of those who loved her for generations to come. Curtain call, Pat, and take a bow - you've earned a standing ovation.