Life’s Reflection of Cornelia Ann Akins Taylor

A Time to Be Born
Cornelia Ann Akins was born on January 16, 1949, in Ocala, Florida, to the late Robert Akins and Elvie Dempsey Akins. She was the youngest of four children born to Elvie Akins.

A Time to Live
Cornelia, affectionately known as “Cookye” by her family and “Connie” professionally, grew up in Madison, Florida. She attended Madison County Technical School and graduated from the former Lincoln High School on Brevard Street in Tallahassee, Florida, in 1966.

She continued her education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, earning a bachelor’s degree in library science in 1972. In 1985, she earned a master’s degree in library information systems from Florida State University. Her passion for knowledge later led her back to FAMU, where she earned a master’s degree in African American Studies in 1991.

Cornelia began her career as a librarian at Randolph-Clay High School in Cuthbert, Georgia. After returning to Florida, she devoted the remainder of her professional career to the university system. She served at Strozier Library at Florida State University before spending the final 23 years of her distinguished career at FAMU’s Coleman Library.

A Time to Serve
Cornelia began her walk with Christ at Lime Sink Missionary Baptist Church in Madison, Florida. During her later years, she attended Jacob Chapel Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida.

A Time to Enjoy Life
Cornelia possessed a lifelong passion for reading and lovingly instilled that same appreciation for books in her children and grandchildren. Following her example, several of them became avid readers and book collectors.

She also enjoyed remaining informed about current events and spent many of her retirement days watching news programs featuring Rachel Maddow, Anderson Cooper, Joy Reid, and others. Cornelia found tremendous joy in supporting her grandchildren and faithfully attended their football games, band recitals, and African American programs at school.

Her love for Florida A&M University was deeply rooted. Alongside her late sister, Helen Williams, Cornelia faithfully attended FAMU football games and delighted in the excitement of Homecoming celebrations and parades. It was important to her that her children and grandchildren experience and continue those treasured traditions.

A Legacy of Love
Although Cornelia is no longer physically present, her beautiful spirit and enduring legacy will continue to live on. Free from pain, she will forever remain a cherished presence in the hearts of her family and friends.

Cornelia leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Jojuan Moore Cropper of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; five grandchildren, Kopper Boyd of Baltimore, Maryland, Xion McKinney-Taylor of Tampa, Florida, Xander McKinney-Taylor of Orlando, Florida, Somiah Akhtab of Tallahassee, Florida, and Sydney Akhtab of Tallahassee, Florida.

She is also lovingly remembered by a host of devoted nieces and nephews: Londrado Williams, Peggy Senor, JoAnn Smith, Kenneth Eaton, Stanley Williams (Sheila), Susie Sanders (Wendell), and Nikki Dempsey; one sibling, Bobbie-Jean Akins Wills (Kenneth); a devoted sister-in-law, Jackie Dempsey (Howard); two former sons-in-law, Curtis Cropper and Harry Lee; four devoted cousins, Margaret Taylor, Elois Barnes, Willie C. Taylor (Remilla), and Marilyn Gallon; as well as many additional nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and loved ones.

Cornelia was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Shannon K. Taylor, in January 2026; and two siblings, Howard Dempsey in 1999 and Helen B. Williams in 2011.