Estella Ruth Wilson Akins

Estella Ruth Wilson Akins was born in Palestine, Texas on January 30, 1932 to
Loveless and Rena Wilson. She had two older siblings--Espanola Elaine and
Jakey Goree. Estella’s father, a World War I veteran, died when Estella was
only 11 months old.
Estella lived with her family and other relatives on ‘Goree Hill.’ She often
recalled drinking water from a well, gathering wood chips to heat the stove
and collecting eggs from her mother’s chicken coup.
For most of her formative years, she attended school in Palestine and
worshipped at Smith Chapel Church of God in Christ. During the 1940s, her
mother sought better economic opportunities and moved with her children to
live in Houston temporarily. While in Houston, Estella accepted Jesus Christ as
her Lord and Savior during a Sunday revival service at Mt. Sinai Baptist
Church, which was a short walk from their home.
Estella and her family returned to Palestine and she graduated from Lincoln
High School in 1950. During her senior year, she was crowned Miss Lincoln.
She was surprised to receive this honor, but proudly wore her crown and cape
as she waved to the crowd along the parade route in downtown Palestine.
After graduating from high school, Estella followed in her sister’s footsteps
and attended college. She enrolled in what is now Huston-Tillotson University
majoring in elementary education.
Estella often remarked that her college years were some of the best years of
her life. One of her favorite things to do was attending Chapel on Fridays and
listening to all the Greek organizations sing their songs afterward outside in
the middle of campus. In her senior year, Estella pledged Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc., cultivating strong friendship bonds with her sorority sisters and
other classmates. While at Huston-Tillotson, Estella met the love of her life,
Charles Akins. She and Charles graduated in 1954 and were married in 1955.
Estella started her career in Dallas as a physical education teacher. She began
teaching in the Austin Independent School District in 1962 at Rosewood and
Oak Springs Elementary Schools. Over the course of her 31 years in AISD, she
educated hundreds of students at several schools, including Brooke, Govalle,
Norman, Winn and Sims Elementary.

As a young couple, Estella and her husband were busy raising two daughters
and pursuing their master’s degrees in education at Prairie View A&M
University. As their children grew up, Estella was often the ‘taxi driver,’ taking
them to and from band practice, cheerleading practice and other activities.
During the summers, she would accompany her husband on trips to Florida,
Virginia, Georgia and Kentucky for education conferences. She also enjoyed
family trips to California, Washington, D.C., New York and Hawaii. Estella and
Charles celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by going on a cruise.
Estella was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for practically all of
her adult life. Demonstrating exceptional dedication, she served in different
capacities. For example, she was a member of the Usher Board for 50 years.
Many parishioners looked forward to having her guide them to their seat, as
she flashed her beautiful smile that said ‘welcome to the house of the Lord.’
A long-time Sunday School teacher, she coordinated several Easter and
Christmas programs for the children. She showed her competitive spirit
during Old-Fashioned Sunday School, usually placing in the top three for the
most funds raised or highest number of students in attendance. She was active
in United Women in Faith, chairing or assisting with Women’s Day
celebrations and participating in the Seven Tables Tea to help raise funds for
mission activities. She and the other women on her table were not shy about
asking for contributions and often placed first, second or third in raising
funds. Capitalizing on her years in physical education, Estella was a charter
member of Wesley’s praise dance group and was an enthusiastic praise
dancer for about three years.
She and fellow church member Plunella Hargrove started the 55+ Ministry
and were the group’s first coordinators. The group’s motto was ‘Blessed, Not
Stressed.’ Estella also delivered the Upper Room devotional booklets to
church members.
In 1996, Wesley honored Estella, along with other honorees, for her
outstanding leadership and continuous dedication to the church. In 2007,
Estella was honored again, along with other women, as part of the Woman of
the Year celebrations.

In addition to her church activities, Estella served the community in many
ways. She was a member of the Austin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc., serving as the chapter’s house manager for many years and
other positions such as chair of the Rituals and Ceremonies committee,
member of the Founder’s Day committee and secretary. She became a Golden
Life Member in the 1970s/1980s. In 2007, the local chapter declared her Delta
of the Year in recognition of her many years of service, sisterly qualities and
high level of dedication.
Other community organizations include the Austin (TX) Chapter of the Links,
Inc. – inducted in 1983, roles included treasurer, financial secretary, chair of
National Trends and Services facet, historian/archivist, achieved Platinum
status in 2014 and Alumna in 2019; Capital City Evening Lions Club – active
for more than 30 years, serving as treasurer and secretary; Reading is
Fundamental – volunteered to help distribute books to needy children;
Heritage Park Rest Home – assisted with Bingo games on Thursdays; and
Meals on Wheels – delivered hot lunches to senior citizens every Wednesday
for almost two decades. Estella’s congenial personality endeared her to the
people on her route and each week they looked forward to chatting with her
and enjoying a nutritious hot meal.
Estella leaves to mourn her loss: daughters Dianne Akins Iglehart and Joyce
Akins; grandson Justin Iglehart (Dr. Elena); granddaughter Rena Iglehart;
great-grandchildren Daniela and Gabriela Iglehart; niece Cheryl Ester (Greg);
great nieces Rena Wilson, Jasmine Walton (DeVince) and Brittany Swint;11
great-great nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins; other relatives; friends
and neighbors.