Lori Michelle Akers

Lori Michelle Lasater Akers of Decatur, Texas, age 55, passed away on August 17, 2025, in Denton, Texas, surrounded by her husband, daughter, and parents. Born on March 26, 1970, to Emmett and Kay Lynn Lasater in Eastland, Texas, Lori lived a vibrant and joy-filled life that touched countless others with her humor, warmth, and generosity.

Memorial Service is 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur, Texas.

A proud graduate of Eastland High School in 1988, Lori went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Baylor University in 1992. She worked various jobs during high school and college—including at a bank in Eastland and a florist in Waco--and found great joy in her role as a State Parks Information Specialist with Texas Parks and Wildlife while living in Austin—a position she cherished not only for its connection to nature and people, but also because it was where she met her husband, Miley. Work eventually took them to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she worked as a Sales Account Manager for Educational Products Inc. and with the box office staff at PNC Music Pavilion. The main factor in every role was people, exactly what Lori was best with. All of her coworkers over the years could tell you she brought enthusiasm, creativity, and an undeniable spark.

Lori's passion for life extended far beyond her work. She was deeply involved with Zeta Tau Alpha fraternity alumnae chapters across the country—including Charlotte (NC), Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Southlake, and Denton—where she made lasting contributions through service, leadership, and friendship. Her dedication was recognized with the Alumnae Themis Award in 2015 and again in 2018 when the Lake Norman/North Charlotte Alumnae Chapter honored her with a scholarship established in her name.

Known for her magnetic personality and uncanny ability to remember even the smallest details about everyone she met, Lori never encountered a stranger. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen and valued—often bestowing them with affectionate nicknames and recalling their favorite foods or funny stories long after their first meeting.

Lori was also a party planner extraordinaire, whose themed events were legendary among those lucky enough to attend. Whether it was a simple gathering or an elaborate celebration, she infused every occasion with creativity and joy.

But what we probably all think of first when we think of Lori is her sense of humor. Her quick-witted, clever, comedic genius probably landed more than a few perfectly-timed zingers your way and she would never, ever let you live down an embarrassing situation...most likely because she was always the first to laugh at herself. Even in the midst of this unexpected, overwhelming hospital stay, she still managed to make light of her head bandages and new hairdo, courtesy of a brain surgery, which she surely expects us to remember and laugh about years from now. She delighted in laughter and was so good at offering comfort through comedy, even as she faced profound challenges.

Lori found happiness in the little things: attending concerts at Choctaw, playing games like Words with Friends and Bunco, or finding the perfect gift for all the many people she loved. But perhaps nothing brought her more joy than being “Sassy” to Caroline and Clara—even if only through daily FaceTime calls—and planning her next visit back “home” to North Carolina.

Above all else, Lori treasured her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 28 years, Miley Akers; her beloved daughter Kaylee Craig and husband Kyle and two granddaughters who brought immense joy to her life—Caroline and Clara of Belmont, North Carolina; and son Miley Akers IV of Michigan. She also leaves behind her loving parents Emmett and Kay Lynn Lasater of Decatur; sister Whitney McDonald and husband Chris of Hallsville; numerous nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews all whom she was so proud of and enthusiastically doted on plus her cherished in-laws. The treasured family historian will be missed by extended family and friends who were like family on all sides.

She was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents as well as two beloved dogs, Penny and Roscoe.

We will be missing our light in dark times, unwavering support for our goals and dreams, words of encouragement at our lowest moments, and endless chatter and entertainment. Her absence from those she loved so deeply leaves a hole in the shape of her boundless laughter and 80’s music that no other sound can fill.

May Lori’s memory continue to bring comfort and laughter to all who were fortunate enough to know her.