Biography:
Lorraine A. Bates Akins transitioned from this life on Wednesday, September 11th 2024, in Long Island Jewish, Valley Stream Hospital.
Born August 15th in Queens NY to the late Helen Bernice Bates and Arthur Bates Sr., she married Walter Mackey. Together they gave birth to her eldest daughter, the late, Cheryl L. Mackey. When that marriage came to an end, Lorraine became what would turn out to be a long-standing member of Calvary Baptist Church. It was there she met and married Sims S. Akins Jr, a union that blessed them with their daughter Joy M. Akins.
Attending BMCC, Lorraine earned her Associate of Science degree, leading to her becoming a Registered Nurse. She worked diligently, caring for patients at Bellevue Hospital for 16 years until her retirement.
Lorraine was always a caring person, who was wise and mild mannered. A classy woman, she always believed in the quality of a person, treating others as she, herself, would wish to be treated. One of Lorraine’s more endearing qualities is that she was a great listener. Far too many people seem to underestimate the effect truly listening can have on someone and the burdens it can help lift. It is surely a gift from God. She was also someone who could be confided in, without them ever having to worry that those conversations would be shared. Yes, Lorraine was known as loving, caring and full of unique integrity, but most of all, she was a woman of God.
Lorraine is preceded in death by her daughter Chery Mackey, her son Sims Akins III, her mother Helen Bernice Bates and her father Arthur Bates. She is survived by her husband Sims Akins Jr., her daughters Joy Akins and Kelly Baker, her son Chris Barnes and her only grandchild Jasmine K. Fitzgerald. She also leaves behind her sister Carol, her brother Tony and sister-in-law Veronica, her cousin Clifford Marshall, nieces Tanisha Mitchell and Tonisha Bates, as well as her nephews AJ, Kareem, John and Kent in addition to a host of loved ones and close friends.
Lorraine will always be greatly loved and deeply missed.
