Wichita - Pata, Cora Jane 88, went to her heavenly home Tuesday, May 8th, 2018. Mom was born Dec.9 1929 on a farm, three miles from Plato, MO. She was the youngest of 3 girls and 4 brothers. Her mother and father each had 2 boys from previous marriages. Mom grew up around family living close by. She graduated valedictorian in 1948 of her class and was given a scholarship for a Teaching Degree or Beauty School. She chose to become a beautician because she didn’t think she would be good at teaching children. Mom met Dad (Bill Akers) on New Year’s Eve and they were married the following Feb. 10,1951. Dad was in the Navy, and so they started their life together always moving, and continued to move around after he got out and became a Minister. In our childhood our life changed every 2 yrs. Mom was the constant, she brought stability to our home, a listening ear, fun group chats, and spiritual answers to the questions or problems we faced. Being a stay at home mom and taking care of family took up most of her time, but she still taught bible studies, and played the piano and sang at church. After our parent’s marriage ended Mom was still there holding the family together. She had to learn to drive at 50 and loved it, and so hated to quit at 85. Mom never allowed bitterness to rob her of the Lord’s peace. And she had forgiveness for any wrong done to her. Mom married Stanley Pata June 20,1981. God truly brought a wonderful man into her life. She and Stanley ministered together in small churches, care homes, and continued to bless people with their music. She loved being a Grandmother and taught many of them to crochet. In her later years when her health declined, she reached out to other shut-ins with cards of encouragement. Her life spoke loudly of her faith. People who met her would tell us how sweet and gentle a person she was. Our little Momma you will be missed, and your legacy will live on in the lives of your children. Mom shared her most precious gift with her children and grandchildren; her faith in Jesus Christ. She lived out that relationship with Jesus in front us and it carried her through all of this life's most difficult trials. She knew that every good gift that came to her life was blessings from her Lord. Those wonderful parts of her that we will miss greatly came from Him. Her sweet spirit, her grateful heart and her love for her family. Cora is preceded in death by her spouse, Stanley Pata; parents, James and Elma Gorham; sister, Lila Alden; brothers, Orval Edwards, Eldon Edwards, James Gorham and Floyd Gorham. She is survived by her children, Mark (Shari) Akers, Bill (Vicki) Akers, Cheryl (Wade) Alexander, Joyce (David) Housby, Sam (Peggy) Akers, Tim Akers, Karen (Gary) Wilson,Barry (Tammi) Akers; 21 grandchildren; 50 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; sister, Faye Moore.

Funeral Service: 10:00 am, Monday, May 14th, 2018 at Midway Baptist Church 5135 S Broadway St Wichita, Ks 67216. Memorial contributions to Midway Baptist Church . Friends are welcome to view Monday before the funeral.