William Eric Aikens

William Eric Aikens, known as Eric, departed this life January 23, 2022 at Mercy Health Hospital in Cincinnati, OH where he had been a patient for a brief stay.

He was born in Youngstown, Ohio the son of Willie and Gloria Gilford-Aikens on June 11, 1957.   

Eric had a passion for education and dance. He’d often say, “I’m staying in school as long as I can”.   

His educational journey should have begun in 1975 but to speed up the process he was a 1974 Honors graduate student of East High School, Youngstown, OH.  He continued his educational journey as a 1979 graduate of Youngstown State University, Youngstown OH with a Bachelor of Arts Degree Majors: Psychology/Sociology.  In 1985 Eric earned a Masters of Arts Degree from The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, Area of Study: Laban Movement Analysis and Dance Education. 

Eric was employed by Miami University of Ohio as Senior Instructor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health. He loved teaching his students as much as they loved being taught by him. After retiring from MU as Professor Emeritus, Eric was employed at Walmart in the Customer Service Department where he was honored for 5 years of service.  

William Eric Aikens leaves to cherish his memories, a Mother, Gloria Aikens of New Castle PA, Sisters, Sheila M. Aikens-Hayes of Boardman OH, Shelyn M. Aikens of Arlington TX, Brothers, Kevin A. Aikens of New Castle PA, Martin D. Aikens, San Francisco CA, Nephews, Marcellus N. Hayes of Boardman OH, Keith Hawkins of Youngstown OH, Mike Sherman of Cincinnati OH, Nieces, Melena D. Hayes of Columbus OH, Essence Aikens of Tampa FL, Ke’Vondra Aikens of Norfolk VA and a host of relatives, friends and co-workers. 

He was preceded in death by Paternal Grandparents, John and Bertha Duncan-Aikens, Maternal Grandparents, Henry and BirdaMae Wilson-Gilford, Father, Willie N. Aikens, a special Aunt, Ruthie Mae Parkman, Uncle and Aunt James and Mary (Mae) Bell and Uncles Rev. Joseph and John E. Aikens, Jr. 

So much love, so much life, such a vibrant soul who lived HIS life out loud! We will miss you! 

There will be a memorial / celebration of life at 1:00 pm on June 11, 2022 at the Jaylex Event Center 2110 Glenwood Ave Youngtown, OH. 

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