Jerrie Marie Akridge

Mrs. Jerrie Knight Akridge, a resident of Irvington, Alabama, departed this life to be with the Lord on January 27, 2021. She is preceded in death by her father D.C. Knight, Sr. and her mother Gladys S. Knight and her sisters Jay Lea Sheehan and Joy Currie. She is survived by her beloved husband, Neil T. Akridge, Sr., and their children Tommy Akridge (Melissa), David Akridge (Della), Jennifer Kolb (Doug), and her grandchildren Lindsay, Jessica, Whitney, Casey, Braxton, Emily, Daniel, Joe, Rachel, Tim, and her greatgrandchildren Kaitlynn, Laurel, Charlotte, Cason, and CiéJay. She is also survived by her brothers Jack Knight and Jim Knight and countless other family members and friends. Jerrie was born in Seminary, MS on March 26, 1942. She was a kind, lovely lady and faithful servant for the Lord. She had a passion for teaching children and enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She believed in Jesus Christ and the power of prayer, and faithfully prayed for her neighbors, a true loving example of faith. She was married to the love of her life for 60 years and was a devoted wife and mother. She loved her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren ferociously, the true joys of her life. Jerrie never shied away from work and always put the Lord first. She sold Avon for 35 years, taught Sunday School for 61 years, sang in the choir, and was the Church Clerk and Secretary for First Baptist Church in Bayou La Batre where she was a member for 56 years. She worked for the Mobile County Public School System, worked for Freddie Pendarvis at BLB Auto Parts, was a bookkeeper for Elmo Horton Shipyard, was a daycare worker, and worked for First National Bank in Mobile. She helped others in need with eager faithfulness, a rare beauty inside and out. She was married to the love of her life, Neil, for 60 years and their partnership is a true testament of devotion and faithfulness. Neil affectionately recalls seeing Jerrie for the first time when she was 17 and singing in the church choir. He knew when he saw her entering the choir loft that she was the one. He had his brother introduce them. It was love at first sight. They were married November 12, 1960 in Plateau, Alabama. Pastors for the service are David Akridge (Officiant) and Garry Harred. Song by Mark Jones and the pianist is Betsy Ross. Pallbearers are: Braxton Akridge, Daniel Kolb, Kolby Watts, Christopher Burt, Matt Henry, Brian Knoepfler, Tim Busby, and Joe Johnson. The celebration of life will be held on Monday, February 1, 2021. Visitation is from 10:00 AM—12:00 PM and services begin at 12:00 PM in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Bayou La Batre, AL. 13500 N. Wintzell Ave. The interment will follow at Oddfellows Cemetery, Hwy. 188 Bayou La Batre, AL. Arrangements by Serenity Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to a tribute fund in Ms. Jerrie’s name that will provide a scholarship for a high school student. The link is below: https://gofund.me/1e20235e

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Jerrie Marie Akridge

March 26, 1942 - January 27, 2021