Akers, Janette Quesenberry
Janette “Jan” Quesenberry Akers, age 90 of Pulaski passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at her home. Born February 10, 1933 in Pulaski she was the daughter of the late John Issacc Quesenberry & Ada Porterfield Quesenberry.
She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Matthew Cameron Akers; siblings, James S. Quesenberry, Pearl Q. Hughes, Mary Q. Whittaker, Roy A. Quesenberry, Lula Q. Powers, Joe F. Quesenberry, Ruby Q. Arnold, Anna Q. King.
A graduate of Pulaski High School Class of 1952, Jan completed a Dale Carnegie Course in 1961. She later attended New River Community College in 1980, completing courses in Real Estate, Business Law and Philology.
She worked part-time from 1951 through 1952 at the Pulaski County School Board Book Store and Dee’s Cut Rate. Then in 1952 started a 30-year career with the Southwest Times. She was a receptionist-cashier and kept accounts receivable books for 15 of those years. She was appointed Classified Advertising Manager for 5 years, then promoted to Advertising Manager for the next 10 years (the first female to hold that position). She won awards from the Virginia Press Association for make-up and creation of advertising accounts.
During the next 11 years of her employment, she was a co-owner of BJ’s Closet (a ladies dress shop) in downtown Pulaski with Beth Boyd, worked at Sears in Pulaski until they closed and Lee Mart until retiring.
Along with Jan’s extensive employment career, she dedicated her time to many community services as well. She was a director for Cub Scout Pack 143 for 4 years, served as director for the Pulaski Chamber of Commerce, taught Sunday School for 25 years at Anderson Memorial Presbyterian Church. She served as president and treasurer of the Lord’s Acre Association at the church. She served as director for the Count Pulaski Celebration Committee for 6 years as well as roles of President and Vice-President.
Working for the voting polls for 15 years in Pulaski, she also served on the Promotion Committee for Main Street Inc., president of Pulaski Merchants Council and worked 3 years with the American Heart Association.
Jan loved bowling and started when the Leisure Lanes Bowling Alley opened until it closed.
She is survived by her
Husband of 67 years – John Douglas Akers – Pulaski
Son – Dirk (Sabrina Farmer) Akers – Pulaski
Grandson – Camden (Ashlan) Tyler Akers
Great Grandchildren – Madison Rose Akers, Cameron Scott Akers, Camden Bea Akers, Blake Emeryson Akers
Many nieces and nephews
Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM – Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Bower Funeral Home-Chapel, Pulaski with Anthony Akers & Camden Akers officiating. Interment will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery in Pulaski.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until service time Saturday at the Funeral Home. To sign Jan’s online guestbook, visit www.bowerfuneralhome.com – Special thanks from the family goes to Jan’s caregivers, Freda O’Dell, Emily Wesley, Susan Lyons, Cathy Dalton, Carol Boyd and the Intrepid Hospice team for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to the Daily Bread in Pulaski. Bower Funeral Homes, Pulaski is handling the arrangements for the family.