SSG Sylvester Akins, Jr., US Army (Retired) of Wenonah, New Jersey, died Friday, January 2, 2026, at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill in Mullica, New Jersey.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dooling, Georgia.  The burial, with military honors, will follow in the churchyard cemetery.

Sylvester Akins, Jr., passed away peacefully after a long-fought battle with Multiple Myeloma Cancer on January 2, 2026. Born to Sylvester and Roselle Akins in Philadelphia, PA, as the third of ten siblings, he grew up in a bustling, close-knit household that shaped his lifelong values of responsibility and  generosity. He took his role as a leader to heart from childhood and was often found to be taking charge of his younger siblings to keep them in line.

Sylvester started his career in the United States Army in 1973 and entered retirement in 1993 after tours in Germany, Korea, and multiple duty stations domestically. Sylvester was a proud veteran and devoted public servant; he lived a life defined by duty, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to those he cared for. His 20 years in uniform reflected his deep sense of honor and patriotism.  Following his military service, he continued protecting and supporting his country as a police officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs, earning the respect of colleagues and neighbors alike through his integrity, steadiness, and compassion and ultimately completing his tenure there in 2013.

For more than fifty years, he shared a remarkable partnership with his beloved wife, Minnie Duhart Akins. A woman who he had traveled the world with and lived life with grace and warmth; Minnie first captured his heart when she baked his favorite German chocolate cake—a simple act that blossomed into a lifetime of devotion. He loved, cared for, honored, protected, and showered her with   affection, adoring her deeply in every season of life. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, resilience, and boundless love—a testament to a marriage rooted in faith, friendship, and unwavering commitment.

He was the proud father of two daughters, April Akins and Amy Akins, who were truly the joy of his life. A devoted "girl dad" in every sense, he affectionately referred to them as Daddy's girls and poured his love, guidance, and presence into every season of their lives. He patiently taught them how to drive, sat beside them during the excitement of first-car shopping, and never missed an opportunity to create lasting memories. From Girl Scout camping trips and long family road trips—especially those cherished journeys to Georgia—to cheering proudly at track meets and worshipping together at church, he was a constant source of encouragement and stability. His unwavering support, gentle guidance, and deep love shaped their lives immeasurably, and his legacy lives on through the strong, loving women they have become.

Cherished grandfather of his only grandson, Cameron, brought him endless pride, joy, and unconditional love. He cherished his time on the sidelines and in the stands, faithfully watching Cameron play and cheering him. When he no longer could physically be there, he was only a FaceTime call away supporting "his grandson." Their time spent watching games, talking plays, and celebrating    victories—both big and small—created memories that will forever be treasured. Their relationship was one of the deepest and most beautiful connections to    witness.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his humor and the way he showed up---steadily and wholeheartedly---for everyone around him. Sylvester was    predeceased by his mother and father, Roselle Ogburn Akins and Sylvester Akins, Sr., brothers Kim E. Akins, Alvin E. Akins, and Calvin E. Akins. He is survived by his beloved wife Minnie Duhart Akins, daughters April Akins and Amy Akins, grandson Cameron L. Parker-Akins; siblings, Joyce Long (Brother-in-Love George Long) of Columbus, New Jersey; Gloria Akins of Elkton, MD; Constance Gray of Newark, DE; Bruce Akins of Merchantville, New Jersey; Donald Akins of Upper Darby, PA, and Renee Rice of Philadelphia, PA; Sister-in-Love Johnnie Mae Lewis of Vienna, GA; Brother-in-law J.C. Lovett of Palm Coast, Florida; Sister-in-law Sylvia Akins of Philadelphia, PA and Sister-in-law Sandra Akins of Philadelphia, PA. along with a host of nieces and nephews and a vast extended family. Special mention to his niece Kimberly Akins who he often referred to as his third daughter and Cousin Margaret Jordan with whom he shared a lifetime of love and memories.