Mary Jane Akel, 83, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy, devotion to animals, and a rich pride in both her Akel and Arkansas heritage. She fought hard, as she always had throughout her life, but in her final days she reminded her family that she had lived a good life and was ready. Her honesty and clarity brought comfort to all who loved her.

Born in Brinkley, Arkansas to Abraham and Vera (Caplena) Akel, Mary Jane grew up surrounded by the warmth and values of her Lebanese-Syrian family. Her parents owned and operated Akel's Grocery, where she learned the meaning of service, friendship, and caring for others. She carried those values into every chapter of her life.

A proud graduate of Brinkley High School (1960), she fondly remembered cheering on the sidelines—especially on cold nights when her daddy would come early to take her home. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas State University in 1964, where she was recognized for both leadership and academic achievement. That same year she was elected Vice President of the Arkansas Young Democrats, demonstrating a passion for public service that would follow her for decades.

Her early career as a beloved math teacher and cheerleading sponsor at Brinkley High School shaped her love for helping students find confidence, discipline, and joy in learning. Her former students remembered her as warm, witty, and able to make even the toughest math lesson feel possible.

In 1972, she joined the Alabama Education Association, beginning a long and meaningful career fighting for educators. As a UniServ and regional director in Birmingham and Montgomery, she advocated for teachers, helped many regain their positions, and worked tirelessly to ensure fairness and dignity in the workplace. She remained deeply respected in the education community until her retirement in 1995.

Mary Jane's civic engagement was woven throughout her life. She served on the Montgomery County Democratic Executive Committee and continued to contribute to Arkansas politics after returning home. Her name appeared regularly in state political listings and newspapers, reflecting her steadfast commitment to public advocacy and community life. She believed in participation, voting, women's rights, and the power of using one's voice for good.

She lived in many places during her life—Goose Bay (Newfoundland), Birmingham, Montgomery—but ultimately returned to Harrison to be near her family. There she continued her relationships, fed neighborhood animals, wrote letters to the editor, and stayed devoted to her beloved cats.

Mary Jane was known for her humor, her fierce loyalty, her sharp debating skills, and her signature style—fur coats, beautiful nails, bright lipstick, a hint of Michael Kors perfume, and always a Razorback button. Her famous "Mary Poppins boxes" filled with gifts, clippings, and surprises became a treasured family tradition.

She adored her family, especially her great-niece Grace, and poured love into every generation. She survived breast cancer twice, faced grief and hardship bravely, and lived with a spirited resilience that inspired those around her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Abraham and Vera Akel, and by her sister-in-law Shelby Jean Akel. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Abraham "Abe" Akel Jr., her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and her beloved cats who were always by her side.

The family extends deep gratitude to Elite Hospice, to Tia at Countryside, to Marvin King Jr. for tending faithfully to her home and lawn, to Jane Read for caring for her cats, and to her dear friends Mary Bickerstaff, Linda Bauer, Gene Brantley, Ralph Showers, and cousin Jimmy Ray Hopper.

Her life was full—full of conviction, full of purpose, full of humor, and full of heart. She believed in helping others, in speaking up, in loving her family fiercely, and in living authentically. And in the end, she left this world exactly as she lived in it: with courage, dignity, and love.

Fulfilling her wishes, Mary Jane will be cremated, and her family will hold a private service in her honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her may donate in her name to Professional Pet Care (Jane Read), 4816 Hwy. 65 S., Harrison, AR 72601.