How appropriate is this? A brunch and reception will be held in memory of Helen Coleman Akard from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 11, on the rooftop of the Embassy Suites, 507 S. Gay Street. That’s the former Park Bank building where she worked for 70 years.
Mrs. Akard passed away on February 28, 2023, at age 105. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. today (3/10/23) at Woodlawn Cemetery in South Knoxville.
This writer knew Helen from Park Bank, having borrowed money there with partners to launch Alliance Press in 1979. We did an interview and story when she retired, and then caught up with her birthday celebrations at Long’s, starting when she turned 100. On her 105th birthday, the Knoxville Chapter of the Harley Owners Group organized a parade through her neighborhood with Helen on a three-wheeler. And we published that picture. I phoned Barbara Pelot with the news. “Our only 105-year-old friend has died.”
Akard entered the world of banking in 1941 at Park National Bank on Gay Street and remained there in the office of consumer loans through the acquisitions and mergers of three other banks – First American, AmSouth and finally, Regions. Helen retired in 2011 as a senior loan officer. She leaves a multitude of friends, including her special buddies from Long’s Drug Store in Bearden.
Helen was a lifelong member of Island Home Baptist Church. She was active in the South Knoxville Optimist Club and was supportive of their many community projects. Her full obituary is here. Helen Akard was a joyful woman who will be missed.