Ira Sue Eakins, 79, of Hillsboro died Sept. 14, 2024, at de Greeff Hospice House in south St. Louis County. Mrs. Eakins married her high school sweetheart, Buddy, and spent 60 years together. Her academic journey began with earning her bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State and later earning her master’s from Webster University. This led her to a lifelong passion for teaching. Starting her career before the age of 21, she made an impact as an English and Spanish teacher at Northwest High School from 1966 to 1998. She is remembered by students and colleagues not only for her instrumental role in shaping the English department and establishing the Spanish program but also for her love, dedication and commitment to education. Born Sept. 14, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Sam and Lessie Largent.
She is survived by her husband: Edwin “Buddy” Eakins of Hillsboro; a son: Jim (Donna) Eakins of Barnhart; two grandsons: Austin Eakins of Barnhart and Cody Eakins of Barnhart; two sisters: June Young of Kennett and Joyce Crowell of Memphis, Tenn.; numerous other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by two siblings: Alberta Largent and John Largent.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 Hwy. 30, in Cedar Hill. A funeral ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the mortuary. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Cedar Hill. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary.