Athina K. Vasilakis

Athina K. Vasilakis, 73, of Lumberton, died Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Houston. She was born October 23, 1949, in Thymiana, Chios, Greece, to Fotine Frezouli Klappas and Konstantinos Klappas.

Athina is survived by her husband, Konstantinos “Gus” Vasilakis, of Lumberton, formerly of Chios, Greece; son, John Vasilakis; daughter, Georgia Vasilakis, both of Lumberton; brother, Stefani Klappas and family, of Chios, Greece; sister-in-law, Eleftheria Giannatos and family, of Pireas, Greece; grandchildren, Isabella, Olivia, and Amelia Vasilakis; and a multitude of God children.

Athina Vasilakis was preceded in death by her parents, Konstantinos and Fotine Klappas, her brothers Sotirios and Nicoloas, and Theia Filio and Maria, and her Theo Lazarus.

Athina was a beautiful soul that exuded joy, faith, and compassion. She was a devoted wife to her husband for forty-two years. She was the mother of mothers, but most recently the absolute best yiayia around. Athina adored her granddaughters Isabella, Olivia, and Amelia and would give in to any of their antics. Whether it was an Instagram post, Tik Tok dance, cooking and baking, attending basketball games, or bringing the girls to their favorite stores: 5 below, Target, or Walmart. It did not matter what the girls requested, yiayia would move mountains to make it happen. She would always tell them, “I am short, but I am STRONG”. She showed them strength and perseverance.

Athina instilled her strong values of Orthodoxy and her walk with Christ with anyone in her presence. She was our angel on earth and a true Saint. Her life revolved around the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos at St. George in Port Arthur, TX, the St. Michael’s Ladies Auxiliary, St. Michael’s Mediterranean Festival.

She would be the strongest supporter for her husband, her children, grandchildren and anyone that requested her help or wanted a traditional meal or Greek pastries. Her love was the secret ingredient in everything – her food, her sewing, and everything her hands created.

Athina had the most infectious laugh and the most beautiful smile. Her soul beamed with joy and she would light up any room. You may not have understood what she was saying, but you knew it was funny. She would cackle her way through any situation, sing off-tune, and be one of the silliest women you would ever meet.

Athina is a Proverbs 31 woman – a virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband and he shall fulfill his life with peace and comfort. She will always be remembered and deeply missed, but she will always say, “Don’t worry, BE HAPPY.”

A gathering of Mrs. Vasilakis’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with the Trisagion at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 19, 2023, at St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, Beaumont, Texas. Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 20, 2023, at St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 680 North 15th Street, Beaumont, Texas, with her interment to follow at St. Michael Cemetery. A mercy meal will follow her interment in the church hall.