Dorothy Mary “Dottie” Akin

Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Friend and Prayer Warrior was welcomed in Jesus arms on January 3, 2024, at the age of 90 years old.

Dorothy was born to Collin and Christine Turcotte on May 5, 1933, in Rolla, North Dakota. She was the youngest child of 12 living siblings at the time of her birth, she was always proud of her French Canadian heritage and a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

Dorothy (Dottie) relocated with her family to North Lansing where she attended Sheridan Rd Elementary School. She reconnected with many classmates from there throughout her life including her husband Leslie V. Akin. She was proud to know one of her daughters is now a teacher there. She also attended Lansing Eastern High School and Lansing Community College.

She was the mother of 6 children, 23 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren.  She is the last aunt of a generation to many beloved nieces and nephews.

She is survived by daughters Shyla (George) Lites of NC, Brijette (Stacy) Byrd of Eaton Rapids, and Nichole (Eric) Anderson of Lansing. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and children Pamela Lewis, Patrick (Barbara)Lewis and Leonard Lewis.

Dottie’s passions were her family and her unwavering faith in Jesus.  She was an avid intercessor and would spend countless hours daily praying for missionaries, family, friends and those in need. She was a member of the 120 Intercessors Prayer Team and spent many hours in the Global Prayer Tower at Mount Hope Church. She was well versed in the bible and always had a verse on her lips ready to share with strangers on the corner, at the grocery store, or with her waitress for any problem or struggle they may have had. She prayed with people and babies anywhere on the spot and taught her grandchildren to memorize scriptures. She loved to go meet for a cup of coffee to talk with you about something she had on her mind.

Dorothy loved adventure and was always willing to go, try and do things.  Age was never a barrier for her. She was always active and even was found still downhill skiing late in life. She travelled for missions to Australia, South America, and (even in her 70’s) she smuggled bibles at night in China.  She lived a life of sacrifice and generosity.

Dorothy’s greatest wish was that all her children, grandchildren and family would know and love Jesus and complete his plan and purpose for their lives. She will be missed by many and all those who knew her were blessed.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with interment to follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.  Her family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday.

“He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Psalms 91:15-16