Marva Thomas Akra, 85, of Harrisburg went home to be with her Father on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the Capital Rehabilitation and Health Center.
She was the daughter of the late Henry J Thomas and the late Dorothy Thomas. She was united in marriage to the late Daniel Akra, Sr. and from that union, Marva raised her five children.
Marva was educated in the Harrisburg School System. She worked as an Upholstery worker at New Cumberland Army Depot, in New Cumberland, PA. Very skilled at her craft of sewing sometimes having to make her patterns from brown paper bags or newspapers. She retired from New Cumberland in 1994 and soon found another loving career working at Camp Curtin with children as they would lovingly call her in the Harrisburg School System the “Head Lunch Lady”. Marva had a caring heart, it was hard to stick to the politics and see a hungry face.
Marva was a faithful member of Bethany AME Church. She loved her church. She would faithful work on projects to raise funds. She served as an usher and later mentor youth in her calling as an usher. She also served as a trustee on the Finance Board. Marva had a gift with knowing how to stretch a dollar to work in the Kingdom of God.
Marva had many hobbies, she loved to shop and master game playing. We all wanted to be her partner on game night. Marva was a mother to many and loved family gatherings. Most of all she Loved GOD.
Marva leaves to cherish fond memories, two sons, Daniel Akra, Jr. (Vicki) of Harrisburg and Samuel Neal Akra, Sr. (Tanya) of Harrisburg; three daughters, Evelyn R. Walker (Milton) of Sinking Spring, Marva Hume (Robert) of Harrisburg and Nancy Curry of Lancaster; a chosen daughter, Loretta Folks (Brian) of Harrisburg; one sister, Alice Adcox of Harrisburg and a host of grandchildren from PA, NY, VA &FL, great grands, cousins, nieces and nephews from the Virginia, Maryland and Texas area.
Marva was preceded in death by her ex-husband, her parents, her brother, James Thomas, her sisters, Viola Thomas-James, Myrtle Andrews, Doris Williams, Anna Thomas and Evelina Ross; her granddaughter, Calista M Curry and great –grandson, Malik Stern.
Her life will be celebrated on Friday, September 16 at 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary of her Church, 912 S. 21st Street, Harrisburg, with Viewing from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery. COVID-19 Guidelines will be observed with face masks for all attendees.
Sincere condolences to the family of Sis. Marva Akra. We were blessed to have pastored her at Bethany AME Church several years ago and will never forget her hospitality and many other kind acts. I was blessed to have visted the area and had lunch with her in January 2020. I also received a call from her later that year when she contacted me to check on my husband. May you be comforted by sweet memories and God's abiding presence as you mourn her loss.
Blessings and Peace
Senator Rev. Dr. Emilygail Dill Presiding Elder Rev. Howard H.L.Dill
Sandys,Bermuda
Our prayers to the entire family. May the LORD comfort you in the days to come. We will remember all the good times and memories with Ms. Marva. She has her crown rest well Ms. Marva.
Stacey Dawson & Family
Sending condolences to the family. Connie Emerson
To the family, Our deepest condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Cynthia Pearson, Charlotte Rodgers and Family
Sending our love, prayers and condolences to the family. Ms. Marva was a very special and sweet lady. She definitely will be missed. Love Dana and Brandi
So sorry family for the loss of sure a beautiful woman Aunt Sha Sha rest in the arms of our Father in heaven. Love you 😍 all family
Phyllis Franklin-Thomas
Deepest Condolences to the Family. She always had that Beautiful Smile. May you ALL find comfort in knowing her suffering is over. Rest Easy Ms. Marva🙏🏼
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