Marie Memorial

Marie Jo-Ann Akridge, aged 64, of Christoval, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Pennsylvania on January 28, 1959, the beloved child of Donald David Stocker and Jo-Ann Stocker, and was the oldest of six sisters.

After graduating from high school, Marie enlisted in the United States Air Force, where she proudly served her country for seven years. Following an honorable discharge, she went on to earn her bachelor's and master’s degree in education and dedicated many years to a career as a schoolteacher and librarian. She held hard work and education in high regard and spent most of her life pursuing both.

Marie was not only an educator but also a creative spirit and a published poet. Her love for literature was boundless, and she had a particular fondness for the feel of a good book in her hands. She was a talented seamstress and crocheter, and she cherished music, especially the blues, 60's and 70's classic rock. She shared her love for Westerns with her husband, creating cherished memories together.

Above all, Marie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family meant the world to her, and she held her grandchildren dear. Marie had a radiant smile that would light up any room, and her intelligence, kindness, and generosity knew no bounds. She would go to great lengths for her family, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved husband of twenty-three years, William Akridge; twin sons, Timothy B. Balonis and wife Kendra, and Jeff Balonis and wife Lauren; grandchildren Autumn Balonis, Aiden Balonis, Tyler Pacheco, Brandon Lee, Logan Hoy, Michael Hoy, Timothy (T.J.) Balonis, Gracie Garrison, and Jaxson Smith; nine great-grandchildren; sisters Vicky Banach and husband Ed, Stephanie Kita and husband Tim, Debbie Knight and husband Harold, Linda Remmel, Donna Sigley and husband Kevin; nieces and nephews Dana, Kerry, Nicole, Doug, Jack, Natalie, Brett, and Andrew; cousin Tom Stocker and wife Karen, and numerous other loving family members and friends. She also leaves behind her precious fur baby and companion, Trixie.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 am on November 3, 2023, at the Hummingbird House, 21956 Toenail Trail, Christoval, TX 76935, with Pastor Rob Bigouette officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Marie's honor to the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer (1-877-GO-KOMEN) or the Children's Literacy Fund (CliF) (1-802-244-0944).

Marie Jo-Ann Akridge will be remembered for her unwavering love, creativity, and devotion to her family and friends. Her spirit will forever shine brightly in our hearts, and she will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Winnie-the-Pooh

Now, as we look at some of Ms Maries favorite scriptures, we celebrate that she lives even now in the presence of her savior. No more sorrow or pain as she worships Jesus face to face. She would've told you that suffering, something even Christ knew, is part of life.

2 Corinthians 1:5–7 ESV

5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

Its a reminder that as she is not cast off because of suffering nor dismissed by God in it, but no, it was a confidence of Hope that she would even now, be a comfort in it.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 ESV

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

The love that God has for us, is a sacrificial love. Knowing our inability to truly live for Him, of being unable to save ourselves, Jesus came to this earth, and paid a price for our sins of his own and very life. Not just dying for us, but in doing so, taking our guilt, for our sin, on Himself. The truly innocent and good, dying for the guilty.

When he did, it changed reality, the calendar, our world. Things changed all over the globe. and now, people in almost every nation, have heard of Christ.

The question I would ask, is have you? Have you heard that you are guilty, that sin has a price? That price is death. Which is you receive the gift Christ offers to all - we can be forgiven, and enter into a relationship with our God through Jesus Christ.

And when we receive that light of the World, as our personal savior and God, as Marie would tell you even, you must believe.

John 3:16–17 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Would you enter into this relationship with Jesus? To say I do blieve, I would follow,