Dorothy Virginia Schultz Akins was born May 16, 1930, at the family home in New Baden, Texas, to Hans Paul Schultz and Mattie Thompson Schultz. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the age of 95.

Virginia lived in the family home in New Baden until she was 17 years old.  She went to New Baden School for the first through ninth grades.  In 1944 she went to Franklin High School and graduated in 1947 as Salutatorian of her class.  In the fall of 1947, she attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos as a freshman.  She was a member of the Idylics Club.  Virginia met Robert Ray Akins in the fall of 1948 at a high school football game.  Ray played football and ran track for the Southwest Texas State Bobcats, and Virginia loved sports.  Their courtship led to marriage on July 24, 1949.  They returned to college in the fall of 1949.  Ray was still playing on the football team and track team, and Virginia was still his biggest fan.  Ray graduated in May 1950.  Their daughter Mina Ruth was born June 2, 1950, in San Marcos.  In September 1950 they lived in Rosebud for Ray's first coaching job.  In 1951 they moved to Lometa where Ray was Head Coach.  In 1952 their home was Goldthwaite where Laura Sue was born on November 4, 1952, and Martin Ray was born on January 6, 1954.  Ray and Virginia moved to the Gulf Coast to Tidehaven in 1955 and to Freer in 1960.  They settled in Gregory-Portland in 1965.  During the summers of 1951, 1952 and 1953 they both went to summer school at Southwest Texas State.  In August 1953 Ray received his master's degree, and Virginia secured a BA in English.  Virginia began her teaching career at Freer Middle School in 1960 teaching Reading, English and Spelling.  At Gregory-Portland Junior High she continued teaching the same subjects.  In 1985 Virginia retired with 25 years teaching experience.

Virginia always followed her children in their athletics.  She was a faithful follower of the Texas Longhorns when her son, Marty, played there.  She attended all of Ray's football games that he coached, and she made many posters and baked many cookies to support the Wildcats.

In 1988 when Ray retired from coaching, they moved to their ranch in Robertson County not far from New Baden and Franklin where Virginia grew up.   After they moved to their ranch, they built a log house and began their cow/calf operation.  Virginia became active in the community as a member of the Franklin Women's Reading Club, the Robertson County Retired Teachers Organization, and the Franklin Methodist Church.  She was a devoted member of the Franklin Chapter No. 311 of the Order of the Eastern Star.   When they lived in Goldthwaite Ray had become a Mason, and they were initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star in November 1954.  Virginia was Worthy Matron four times, Secretary for many years, and she held other important offices.  Virginia was also active as a Deputy Grand Matron, a Grand Representative to Georgia, and a Grand Page.  Through the years she enjoyed 72 club, bridge club, hosting Super Bowl parties and traveling to New Orleans to see the Saints football games.  Her love of sports took her all the way to Paris when she was 88 years old for the 2018 Ryder Cup.   Trips to Sugar Land and Austin to visit her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were at the top of her list of favorite things to do.

Her family will always cherish their memories with her in the kitchen. Virginia was a great cook and could put together a meal for a crowd at any time.   She made many people happy with the thousands of cinnamon rolls and loaves of pumpkin bread she baked.  And her dill pickles and pickled okra were the very best.

Preceding Virginia in death were her husband Ray Akins, her daughter Mina Ruth Akins Brees, and her parents Hans and Mattie Schultz.  She is survived by her daughter Laura Akins Riahi and her husband Sia; her son Martin Ray (Marty) Akins and his wife Pam; five grandchildren:  Ryan Riahi, wife Colette; Tara Akins, husband French Smith IV; Angela Garcia, husband Sergio Garcia; Drew Brees, wife Brittany; and Reid Brees, wife Allison; great-grandchildren:  Roman Riahi, Ryder Riahi, Vivienne Akins-Smith, French Smith V, Coco Akins-Smith, Lachlan Smith, Azalea Garcia, Enzo Garcia, Baylen Brees, Bowen Brees, Callen Brees, Rylen Brees, Delaney Brees, Gavin Brees and Beckham Brees; her brother Hans Paul Schultz; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Virginia was proud of all her family.

Virginia will be buried in the New Baden Cemetery beside her loving husband of 68 years, Ray Akins.  She requested her pallbearers be:  Ryan Riahi, Drew Brees, Reid Brees, Sergio Garcia, French Smith IV, and Jerry Alvarez.

A service will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the Franklin Methodist Church with a visitation held prior to services at 10:00 A.M.  A light lunch will be served for all attending immediately following the services at the church.  Following lunch, a private family burial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Virginia to:

Franklin Methodist Church, P. O. Box 556, Franklin, Texas 77856

New Baden Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 133, New Baden, Texas 77870

Order of the Eastern Star Franklin Chapter No. 311 Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 125, Franklin, Texas 77856