Laura Akins Ratterree

Laura Jean Akins Ratterree, 88, died Sunday, January 4, 2015. She was born in St. Petersburg, Florida and was a lifetime resident of Atlanta, Georgia.

Laura was preceded in death by her husband Mack, her parents William (Luther) and Helen Akins and siblings William (Bill) Akins and Martha Akins Flewellen. She is survived by her sister Frances Akins of Atlanta; daughter Susan (Bob) Withers of Hiram, Georgia; son Steve (Jan) Ratterree of Atlanta; grandchildren Rob (Erika) Withers of Jacksonville, North Carolina and Andrea (David) Aenchbacher of Dallas, Georgia and six great-grandchildren -- Jason, Hannah, Lauren, Tripp, Megan and Lila.

Laura was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Upon marrying Mack in 1953, she became a life-long Baptist. They were members of Ben Hill Baptist Church and later Briarlake Baptist Church. At Briarlake, Laura cherished her Winsome Sunday School Class, the Senior Choir and Young at Heart.

Laura immediately started work at Southern Railway after graduation from Girls High. This was during the WWII era when most young men were in the service. The work she enjoyed, the trips on rails at discounted prices she may have enjoyed more. She made new friends at Southern Railway and they shared many exciting adventures. These adventures later continued as she and Mack both took pleasure in long and short road trips -- with no exact destination planned. While working at Southern Railway, Laura attended classes at Georgia Evening College and became a member of the Delta Lambda Sigma Sorority. The friends made in her sorority and at Southern Railway, she kept and cherished for all her life.

Laura left Southern Railway to stay home and raise her children. When they reached high school age, she returned to work as an administrative assistant for the federal government. She retired from the U.S. Attorney's Office in 1988. This work she enjoyed. She often spoke highly of the individuals who served in this office.

Laura enjoyed life. She loved her family, friends -- and she loved Mack. She spoke often of the catch she made. She missed him greatly when he passed, but she had wonderful memories of their time together.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm, Wednesday, January 7, 2015 from the chapel of A.S. Turner and Sons with Rev. Larry Sullivan officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 12:00 - 1:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home. A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.





Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033