Akers, Maxine M.

Maxine Jewel Akers, 81, of Pembroke, Va., and formerly of Narrows, Va., was taken by a heavenly band of angels in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, November 17, 2010.

She was born in Sylvatus on March 11, 1929, to the late Rosa and John McGlothlin and was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, James W. Akers. Also preceding her in death were her mother and father-in-law, Ola and Jim Akers; her brother, Roy McGlothlin; her brotherin-law, Walter (Bud) Lambert; and a very special friend, Fred Corder.

She was a loving wife, a caring mother and grandmother, a talented seamstress and a faithful Christian. Her joy in the Lord was most evident when she played and sang songs to His glory.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda Holdren, of Roanoke, Sandra and Gary Williams, of Forest, and Debra and Lewyn Caldwell, of Salem; her sons and daughters-in-law, Jay Akers, of Roanoke, and Martin and Sherry Akers, of Forest; grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, Ben Caldwell (Ethan and Evan), Tracey Wright (Kelsi and Kiera), Darryl and Melissa Williams (Claire), Kristen Burnette (Kristopher and Kaizlyn), Cory and Kristen (Timothy) and Blaine Akers; brother and sister, Joy Surratt and John McGlothlin; sisters-in-law, Lorine Lambert and Claudine McGlothlin; a special niece and nephews, Suzanne Woodward, Butch Lambert and David Surratt; brother-inlaw and wife, Rusty and Betty Lang; her loving caregivers Christy Agee and daughter, Kaden; and a host of nieces and nephews and cousins.

Her family would like to thank the nurses of Gentle Shepherd Hospice for their considerate care and Dr. Patton Saul, Dr. Harry McCoy, Dr. William Fintel, and Joe Artusio, PA for their diligent care of our mother during her illness.

Funeral Services will be conducted 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 21, 2010, in Bethel Chapel, 1402 Clendennin Road, Narrows, Va., with Pastor Eddie Kendall and the Rev. Betty Carter officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Narrows. The family will receive friends at Kendall Funeral Home, 605 Snidow St., Pembroke, on Saturday evening, November 20, 2010, from 5 until 8 p.m. and at other times at the home of Lorine Lambert, 110 Esther St., Narrows.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 6045 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Va. 24019 or to the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106-A, Roanoke, Va. 24018.

Online condolences may be sent to kendallfuneralhome.com.