YVONNE AKERS FLAX, age 84 died peacefully at her home in Newport News, VA on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 9:12 AM.  Yvonne was born January 25, 1936 in New Orleans, LA and was the oldest child of George and Geneva Akers.

She was a woman of great courage and strength, a loving wife and mother of eight children.  She lived in New Orleans, LA where she met Sheridan Shafter Flax I.  During her early twenties, they moved to Chicago, Il where they created a loving, caring and supportive home.  They resided in Chicago with their children until they returned to New Orleans in 1976.

Yvonne worked at, and eventually retired from, Charity Hospital; she enjoyed traveling, watching Masterpiece Theatre, soap operas, and reading books particularly by her favorite author Agatha Christie.  Yvonne developed a love for technology – audiobooks, online puzzles and critical thinking games.  She did not care for the small screens and buttons on the cellular phones, but prior to her homegoing she was learning to manipulate those as well.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sheridan Shafter Flax I, son Weirleis Asa Flax, granddaughter Rachel Kishawn Johnson and grandson Micah Newman; her parents George and Geneva Akers; brothers George and Albert Akers; sisters Georgia Mae Russell, Shirley Smith, Annie McGowen, Geneva, Dolores, Katherine, Betty and Marilyn Akers and her in-laws William Flax and Veneta Burrell-Flax.

Yvonne is survived, loved, and dearly missed by her sisters Marguerite and Geraldine Akers; brothers Manwell, William and Paul Akers (Gentile); daughters Sharon Shafter Flax Moon, Vibha Thailand Flax Robinson (Lawrence), Sylvia Cynthia Flax-Price, Silviarena Veneta Flax; sons, Sheridan Shafter II, Veryl Micah and Alpha Emmett Flax (Maureen); her loving grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews (great and grand) and friends.

Before she left for her heavenly home, she wanted her family and loved ones to know that she loved us all.  My Mother often said ‘give me my flowers while I’m here’ she wanted to enjoy their fragrances and the kaleidoscope of their colors like she enjoyed her family.  She knew that once she departed, she could not enjoy them in the same manner.  In her honor we ask that, in lieu of flowers, please hug and/or send flowers to your loved ones.

May you always rest in peace Momma.

Cremation Society of Virginia-Newport News assisted the family with their arrangements.