Anne Kathryn Akers

Anne Kathryn Akers, a long-time resident of Montreat, North Carolina, departed this life on March 18, 2026, after a brief illness. A woman of deep faith, she looked forward with confidence to the eternal life Christ has promised to all who put their faith and trust in Him. Anne was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, on April 21, 1934, one of seven children of Elmer and Anna Wolfenden. After graduating from high school in Glenolden, Pennsylvania, she attended Philadelphia College of the Bible (now Cairn University), and after graduation became secretary to the College’s president. Later she worked as a corporate secretary, commuting daily by train into downtown Philadelphia. In 1966 she reluctantly left her Pennsylvania roots to move south, accepting a position in Charlotte, North Carolina, as secretary to Dr. Leighton Ford of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. She soon realized this move was providential; shortly afterward she met her future husband, The Rev. John N. Akers. Anne and John wed in Charlotte on June 15, 1968, and were married for 58 years. In the early years of their marriage Anne enjoyed the role of faculty wife, first at Belhaven College (now Belhaven University) and later at Montreat College. Anne was always deeply involved with both faculty and students, as well as the local church. For several years she was chair of the Presbyterian Women’s work in the Montreat church. She especially had warm memories of living in Scotland, where John completed his Ph.D. in ecclesiastical history at the University of Edinburgh. Several years after settling in Montreat, John accepted a position with Billy Graham, focusing especially on the opportunities that were opening up for Mr. Graham’s ministry in the communist-dominated countries of Eastern Europe, and later China and North Korea. This often involved extensive travel and sensitive negotiations. Throughout this time, Anne’s constant prayers, resilient faith, and steadfast love and support were essential to his ministry. In addition to John, Anne leaves behind their son, Tim (wife Jennifer) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and one surviving sister, Bette McKinlay, of Seattle, Washington. She also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was especially close to the children (and their families) of her brother Dr. Elmer Wolfenden (wife Beverly), who viewed the Akers’ Montreat house as their home while their parents served with Wycliffe Bible Translators in The Philippines. A private interment service was held at Forest Lawn East in Matthews, North Carolina. A public memorial service will be held on April 18, 2026 at 2pm at Montreat College’s Graham Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider a special gift to Wycliffe Bible Translators or Christ Community Church (Montreat).

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Anne Kathryn Akers

April 21, 1934 - March 18, 2026