Lera Mai (Carter) Akins (1904 - 1968)

Born 5 Jul 1904 in Scottsville, Allen, Kentucky, United States

Ancestors

Wife of George Bevley Akin — married 22 Jan 1922 in Macon County, Tennessee, United States

Descendants

Died 2 Jul 1968 at age 63 in Gallatin, Sumner, Tennessee, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Janet Akins [send private message]

Biography

Lera Mai Carter was born on July 5, 1904 in her parents' home in Scottsville, Allen, Kentucky, United States. She is the seventh child out of 12 born to James Robert Carter and his wife Julia Margaret (Cole) Carter. Lera is her birth name although some records may say "Lena" instead. She married George Beverly Akins in Macon County, Tennessee on January 24, 1922. The couple had two sons J.R. Forrest Akins b. October 7, 1922 and A.C. "Cedar" Akins b. December 9, 1923.

Lera was known as "Mai" or "Mama Mai" to others in her family and community. She was a housewife who enjoyed gardening and canning fruits/vegetables each year. In winter months she made quilts to sell and to give as gifts.

Her husband owned a farm that produced tobacco. The couple owned their own home as well as a "tobacco house" in the town of Westmoreland, Tennessee. Mai was very focused on saving "stamps" that could earn her a prize at the local market. In fact, she was a frequent winner according to family members and at one time she won an electric washer and gas dryer from the local grocer.

In late June of 1968, Mai was cooking in her home. She reached above her head for a plate, and her dress caught fire. She suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns over most of her body. She clung to life for about 5-10 days. On July 2, 1968, she passed away from her condition. She was sorely missed by all, especially her husband who survived her.

Mai Akins was laid to rest at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Westmoreland, Tennessee.

Sources

• Tennessee Delayed Birth Records, 1869–1909. Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee State Library and Archives. See attached image.
• Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002. Nashville, TN, USA: Tennessee State Library and Archives. Microfilm. Year 1917-1923; Macon County Records.
• Find A Grave Memorial ID # 67943266 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67943266
• 1910 U.S. Census; Place: Westmoreland, Sumner, Tennessee; Roll: T624_1522; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 0142; FHL microfilm: 1375535. Record for Jim Carter.
• 1920 U.S. Census; Place: Civil District 12, Sumner, Tennessee; Roll: T625_1767; Page: 17A; Enumeration District: 127. Record for Jim Carter.
• 1930 U.S. Census; Place: District 12, Sumner, Tennessee; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 0014; FHL microfilm: 2342016. Record for George Akins.
• 1940 U.S. Census; Place: Sumner, Tennessee; Roll: m-t0627-03939; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 83-25. Record for George Akins.