Juanita Mae Akers

Juanita Mae Lipes Akers, age 92 of Forest, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 13, 2024 after a courageous battle with Dementia. Born September 29, 1931 in Rich Patch, Virginia, she was the daughter of Eva Alfred Lipes and Oscar Milton Lipes. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carlos Alonza Akers, daughter Carol Ann Akers, brothers Harold Wayne Lipes, William Curtis Lipes, Buddy Ray Lipes, and sister Nancy Lipes Nicely. She was also preceded in death by a son in law, John H. Richardson.

Juanita was a graduate of Central High School in Low Moor Virginia in 1949 and was a wonderful homemaker. She loved planting flowers, working in her yard and taking road trips to the beach or to see family. She always made everyone feel so loved with her kindness and sweet and caring ways.

Juanita will be sadly missed by her daughter, Sherry A. Richardson of Rustburg, granddaughter and caregiver, Jennifer D. Akers of Forest, grandson, Wesley K. Richardson and wife, Haile of Indian Trail, NC, and John H. Richardson Jr. and wife Kim of Gretna, Virginia. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Kaitlin R. Horn, Jayden Richardson, Abigail Richardson, and Xander Richardson. She is also survived by several special nieces and nephews. She was survived by three special friends, Dorothy Weese of Covington, VA , Judy Durham of Forest, Virginia and Brenda Stading of Rustburg Virginia.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Yellow Branch Baptist Church in Rustburg Virginia on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 11 am. A one hour prior visitation will be held at 10 am to welcome family and friends. Burial will be at the Alleghany Memorial Park in Covington, Virginia. Rev. Timothy Wilde will be officiating the service and sharing words of comfort for the family.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to her caregivers, Brenda, Peggy, Diane, and Patty for all the love and support they showed to mom/granny during her illness and also Rev. Timothy Wilde and all her very special friends, neighbors, and family who came to visit her throughout her illness.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Gentle Shepherd Hospice and the wonderful staff (Gwen, Tammy, Bree, and Penny) for all their love and support during her time of illness and her longtime doctor and friend, Dr. David Smith.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in honor and memory of Juanita to Yellow Branch Baptist Church in Rustburg Virginia where she was a member.

Whitten Timberlake Chapel is assisting the family during this time.