Marilyn JoAnn Akright

Marilyn Joann (McQueen) Akright, earned her angel wings Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the young age of 94. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by family. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend. Her presence will be deeply missed. Marilyn was born in Lansing, Michigan on July 25, 1931, the daughter of the late Erwin and Laurine (Clark) McQueen. On October 11, 1951, Marilyn married the love of her life, Duane Thomas "Tom" in Angola, Indiana. Together they shared over 67 wonderful years of marriage. Marilyn was one of the first women in management while working in the printing department at the Michigan Education Association, all while raising 4 children. She loved to cook and bake for her family, always making way too much. She loved to travel and visited many countries, including living in Germany for a time while her husband Tom was stationed there. She enjoyed going to church and having bible meetings with her friends at Grace Haven Assisted Living Center. Two of Marilyn's favorite things in life were spending family time at the cabin on Bluegill Lake in Harrison, and her Michigan State Spartans. An avid, or should we say rabid, MSU fan, holding season tickets to one or both football and basketball for over 60 years and attending at least 95% of those games. She attended both NCAA Championship games where they won, many, many, many tournament games, as well as both Rose Bowl games that MSU played in. She attended this season's last home game to watch the Senior Night celebrations that she so loved. She loved and respected Tom Izzo. Marilyn found great joy in the love and connection of those closest to her. Her strength, wisdom and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her brother Erwin "Butch" McQueen Jr., sister in law, Linda McQueen, her four children Carol (Mike) Lehman, James (Ramona) Akright, Jeff (Sandy) Akright, and Tom Akright and family; grandchildren Michelle (Kevin) Rockwell, Josh Catlin, Mindy (Chris) Collins, Josh (Marguax) Akright, Nicki (Russ) Helsel, Rebekah (Mike) Cornell, Stephanie (Aaron) Grayhek, Jessica Enders, Sarah Losson; 20 Great Grand Children; 10 Great Great Grand Children; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Marilyn is reunited in heaven with her husband Tom Akright, three sisters, Gloria Jean, Geraldine, and Sue, brother Willis "Bill" McQueen, brother-in-law, Gerald Akright and best friend and sister-in-law, Wilma Akright, and brothers-in-law Fritz Lewis, Paul Gammage and Elmer Phillips. A funeral service will be held Monday, June 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Interment will follow at Delta Center Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday two hours prior to the service from 12:00-2:00 PM. Following graveside services, there will be a dinner at the American Legion Cole-Briggs Post 48, 731 N. Clinton Street, Grand Ledge 48837. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Marilyn’s family, care of Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, 406 N. Bridge Street, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837 or Grace Haven Assisted Living, 5191 N 41 ½ Road, Manton, Michigan 49663. Share your memories and condolences online at holihanatkin.com.

Marilyn JoAnn Akright

July 25, 1931 - May 9, 2026