Loretta D. Akers

Loretta D. Akers was born to the union of Blanche and John Akers on September 11, 1952, in Mount Clemens, Michigan. She was the ninth of ten siblings and was raised in a small bustling house in New Haven, Michigan. Loretta quickly made her mark in the family with her determined spirit and award winning smile. She and her siblings spent their young years creating games and playing outside in the rural fields in town. Her father worked at the New Haven Foundry and her mother was a nurse at St. Joseph, Mount Clemens. Loretta started her education here in New Haven, graduating from New Haven High School, where she could be found using her endless energy to run track and memorable voice as a spirited cheer leader. Loretta continued her studies at Wayne State University, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Communications. During this time, Loretta had the opportunity to travel internationally, which included a journey to Africa, evoking her passion for equality & human rights. Loretta started her career as an intern at ABC, staying to secure her first professional role as producer of “AM Detroit with Dennis Wholey”. She went on to produce & host a variety of shows on ABC, CBS, and WRIF. Eventually, she continued her professional journey into advertisement with WNIC and Clear Channel. After years of professional success, in 2007, Loretta returned to her academic roots to obtain her masters of Communications & Public Relations back at Wayne State University. Loretta had an energy and spirit that could fill a room and everyone she met remembered who she was. You could always count on her as a shoulder to lean upon and a source of motivation. She enjoyed spending time with people and was known to find moments to bring family and friends together. Being a lover of her home town, she was very active in government and community activities. Like most of the Akers family, Loretta loved music and was often heard playing music and always ready to make a joyful noise! Loretta passed away on November 29th, 2018, after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her father, John Akers, Sr., sisters; Claudia and Katherine and a brother, Clifton. She is survived by her loving son, Leslie “Steven” Hill Jr. of New York, mother, Blanche Akers of New Haven MI, siblings; Reginald Akers of New Haven MI, John Akers Jr., of Los Angeles CA, Nellie (Wendell) Hazley of Detroit MI, Evelyn (Calvin) Green of Detroit MI, Martha (Link III) Howard of Macomb Twp. MI, Warren Akers of New Haven MI, along with the Father of her son, Leslie S. Hill Sr, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Loretta’s laughter & spirit will always be remembered in the hearts and minds of her son, family, and endless number of friends and colleagues. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 7, 2018 at 11:00am in the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church – 58527 Delanie St., New Haven. Pastor Link Howard III will officiate. Burial will be in Centennial Cemetery. Visiting will be Friday from 10:00am until time of funeral, in church. Pallbearers will be; Warren Akers, Len Rogan, Christian Akers, Brett Harris, Robert Akers and Duran Twiggs. Arrangements entrusted to Jowett Funeral Home – 57737 Gratiot, New Haven.

Loretta D. Akers

September 11, 1952 - November 29, 2018