Nahum 1:7

"Adonai is good, a stronghold in the time of trouble: He takes care of those who take refuge in him."

Carlton Edward Akins was born on May 7, 1937 in Warren County, North Carolina. He was the third of four children born to David and Marie Akins. His mother passed away when Carlton was four years old. After his father remarried, the family moved to Durham, North Carolina where his other siblings were born.

While living in Durham, Carlton, along with his three older siblings were educated in the Mills Grove and Merrick-Moore public school systems.

In his early teens, the family attended Northside Baptist Church where Carlton received the salvation of the Lord. He was faithful in Sunday School attendance and in church services under the leadership of Pastor Tally Mosby.

After graduating high school, Carlton and his older brother moved to Norfolk, Virginia and they volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. Upon being honorably discharged, Carlton moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he completed a twenty-four-year career with the Philadelphia Department of Corrections. During this time, he served as a Union representative demonstrating his spirit of helping others. His service was further exhibited in his community as he worked with Big Brothers Organization of Philadelphia, aspiring to positively affect the lives of teenaged boys. He received the Prison Ministry Federation Allegheny East Conference Humanitarian Award for Benevolent Service.

While working for the prison system he met Pastor Willis A. Brown, who ministered at the prison. This led to Carlton's affiliation with the Mt. Airy Baptist Church.

He met his future bride, Mary Yvonne Young in 1980. After their marriage, they both served at Mt. Airy Baptist Church as Deacon and Deaconess and chairpersons of the Barnabas Guild.

Upon moving to Virginia, Carlton served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Usher and was a member of the Men's Chorus at various community churches. His further service included helping others as he was instrumental in providing special care for his mother-in-law, other family members and neighbors in the community during their illnesses.

Carlton was called to the ministry and licensed to preach under the pastorate of Rev. Irving L. Woolfolk, Jr., and as he continued to serve, he and his wife ministered at three nursing homes (Warsaw, Tappahannock and Bowling Green, Virginia) where he gave messages to the residents from the word of God. While ministering at these facilities, he witnessed the salvation of some of the residents and also received cards and letters of thanks for truly being a blessing to them. Carlton sincerely had a passion for the nursing home and prison ministries.

Upon becoming a member of One Family Ministry with Rev. Bruce E. Claiborne as Pastor, he ministered to others, served as an usher, taught Bible Study and helped in any other capacity.

He was a dedicated member of The Agape Christian Couples' Ministry for 21 years, where he participated as conference speaker, board member and served as treasurer. He was a faithful member who was instrumental in encouraging and uplifting the spirits of others.

Always seeking to learn more about God's word, he attended Manna Bible College, Philadelphia, PA. where he earned a certificate in Biblical Studies. He also attended Fredericksburg Bible Institute in Fredericksburg, VA earning a diploma in Advanced Biblical Studies. He matriculated at Virginia Union University School of Theology receiving a Master's degree in Christian Education.

Carlton was known for his quick wit and ability to make others laugh. He was affectionately known as Uncle "C", Uncle Carter and Uncle Willy from Philly to his nieces and nephews. He cherished all of his family and had a special place in his heart for his wife, son, granddaughter, nieces and nephews.

Being serious about his relationship with the Lord, Carlton showed his love for God and for others. Carlton's desire was to be remembered for the love he demonstrated by sharing positive and uplifting words to others.

Carlton leaves his loving and devoted wife Mary Yvonne Young Akins; son Carlton E. Akins II; granddaughter Camryn Akins; Sisters Parthenia Madden, Lucy Horton (Bobby), Jean Akins, Pauline Wise, Rosemary Barrett; brothers-in-law Rev. Walter T. Young and Gilbert Minor; Sisters-in-law Helen Claiborne, Frances Glover (Rev. Edward), Louise Young, Patricia Young, Gwendolyn Young and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends to mourn his generous and loving spirit.

A Viewing will be held Saturday, September 8,2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at C.W.Edwards Funeral Home, Inc., 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday September 9, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., at Caroline High School 19155 Rogers Clarke Blvd., Milford , Virginia 22514. Interment will be held at Signal Hill Memorial Park, Tuesday September 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., 12360 Hanover Courthouse Rd. Hanover , Virginia 23069.