Roll Call Tribute

Published in Tyler Morning Telegraph on Dec. 21, 2014

Kathryn Brooks Akin
Dr. Kathryn Brooks Akin died in her sleep from pulmonary complications Dec. 5, 2014. She was a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician working in Tyler, living in Whitehouse.

There are so few of us who are genuinely giving unselfish and generous with their short time on earth. Kathryn gave up a lucrative pediatric practice to do what she loved most; diagnosing children with disabilities and finding the proper therapy they needed.

Her office was the size of a large closet. Her examination room was a large living room-sized playhouse. Many of the toys were actually diagnostic tools, other toys were just for having fun.

She kept working while not feeling well until she had to give up her practice. That loss, of her children and their parents, contributed to a quick decline in her health. I've learned from her colleagues, patients, parents and friends she was "one of a kind" and will be sorely missed.

Kathryn graduated from Bellaire High School, did her undergraduate work at Texas A&M and received her M.D. at Baylor.

She was an avid Astros fan. Standing in line at Minute Maid Park in 90/90 temperatures for a Hunter Pence "Bobble Head" stands out as proof. When they left the National League for the American League, she'd argue with anyone, "that just isn't baseball." She loved to fish, but only if she caught more than her late mother, Daisy, and still has gravel in her left knee from when she fell off her beloved Honda 90.

Her favorite movie, watched more than once (I think I know the words by heart), was "Now, Voyager," with Bette Davis, Paul Henreid and Claude Rains. "Now, Voyager" refers to a poem written by Walt Whitman. To get a general idea of Kathryn, watch the movie. You can't miss which character she resembles.

Gotta finish this, cause Kathy and I never missed a "Saddle Up Saturday" on TV.

Kathryn is survived by her husband, James; and her son, Daniel, who both reside in Whitehouse. Her father, Harry "Baker" Akin, of Bellaire; sisters, Rosanne and Sarah; nephew, Baker "Lil B"; and best friends, T.W. and Teresa.

We'll miss you. I love you. (Rue Rue)

A "Celebration of Life" will be held for Kathryn Jan. 11, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 1010 Charleston Drive, Tyler. For more information, call 903-593-9544.
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Published in Houston Chronicle on Dec. 14, 2014

Kathryn Gill(1957 - 2014)
Kathryn Brooks Akin Gill
1957-2014
Kathryn Brooks Akin Gill, caring wife, mother, daughter and friend died Friday December 5, 2014 in Whitehouse, Texas. She was born in Houston, Texas on November 10, 1957. Kathryn was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by her husband, James gill, son Daniel Gill, father Baker Akin, sister Rosanne Akin, sister and brother-in-law Sarah and Bennett Brown, and their son Baker Brown. She was a graduate of Texas A&M and Baylor College of Medicine. Kathryn was a devoted pediatrician that took great care in helping children with special needs and their families; Kathryn was an avid reader and game player. She enjoyed traveling and baseball. Her kind heart and quick wit will be remembered by family and friends. A memorial service will be held at Heights Christian Church on Saturday December 20, 2014 at 11:00 am.
Heights Christian Church 1548 Heights Boulevard at 18th St., Houston, Texas 77008. (713)861-0016