Debra Ann Akins

On November 4, 2022, Debra Ann Akins Arnold, departed this life at her home in South East,
Washington, DC. She was born as the 6 th child on November 20, 1955 in Washington, D.C. to
the late Willie Akins and Alberta J. Akins; Debra is preceded in death by her late husband John
Arnold.

Debra attended public schools in Washington, DC. Debra was baptized at the Greater Mount
Calvary Holy Church in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of Bishop Alfred Owens. Debra
lovingly cared for her patients working as an in-home health aide at various facilities in
Washington, DC.

Debra loved the Lord, she enjoyed praise and worship, and often hummed her favorite
hymns in quiet times. Debra enjoyed celebrating with family. With a hearty laugh and
big warm hugs, she was a constant and loving figure for her nieces and nephews at
Bert’s N Friends (the nickname given to the informal family day care ran by Alberta
Akins) at most family events. Debra was an enjoyer of Nollywood movies and MSNBC.
She often passionately talked back to the TV and voiced her opinion on the news of the
day. One of her favorite past times was cooking, regularly looking up new recipes to try
out and perfecting favorites. The other favorite, was trying her luck at the casinos with
her best friend, Julia and her sisters. An avid gamer, Debra would often end her day
completing puzzles, cross words, or battling her siblings on the latest mobile games.
Debra’s years as a health aide prepared her for a duty of a lifetime, as she’s been the
primary caregiver of her Mother, Alberta Akins, a sacrifice for which her family is forever
grateful.

Debra leaves in memory her mother Alberta Akins and siblings, Patricia (Eddie) Nicholson,
Betty Rice, Clarence Akins, Tyrone (Carlene) Akins, Michael Akins, Annetta (Wayne) Titus,
Valerie Akins and Timothy (Sandi) Atkins, her beloved step daughter Melissa Devereaux and
her God Daughter, Nicole Staton; a host of nieces, nephews and extended family in North
Carolina, neighbors and friends.

Due to the rise of various viruses, the family will not be hosting a repast following the service.