Linda Gayle Harris Sheppard

On Monday, December 27, 2010, God saw fit to heal Linda Gayle Harris Sheppard, of Floyd, Va., and bring her home after 57 years on this earth. She is preceded in death by her adorning father, Melvin Harris; a sister, Zelda Gay Harris; a precious aunt, Pat Harris; and grandparents, Martin and Zelda Harris, and Wilkie and Adline Duncan. Linda Gayle is survived by her devoted mother, Freeda D. Harris. Other loving surviving family members are uncle and aunt, Milton and Ethelene Duncan; uncle, Carlon Harris; special cousins, Katherine and Butch Tanner, Becky and Mike Cockram, Sheila and Russell Janney, Junior and Janie Cox, and Virginia and Floyd Pinson; and many other aunts, uncles and cousins. Also surviving are the lights of Linda's life, Michelle Lytton, Shalena Conner, Aleesha Cockerham, Ashton and Carley Lytton, Baylee Conner, Bryce Cockram, and Blake Cockerham. Linda was a member of Topeco Church of the Brethren. She enjoyed children, NASCAR, puzzles, reading, collectibles and almost anything purple. Linda was fondly known as the "purple lady" because of her love for the color purple. The most important things in life to Linda, was her faith in God, the promise of seeing her "Daddy" again, and her love for her family. After she became ill, she moved back home to Floyd from Tennessee to be closer to her family. Linda had a way of making each family member feel very loved and very special in their own individual way. We will sadly miss that "funny face" you make and throwing kisses when we part. Linda has fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith (2Tim. 4:7) and now goes to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and loved ones that have preceded her, in her heavenly home as her reward. Graveside Service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, December 30, 2010, at Topeco Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Varner officiating. The family will receive family and friends at the funeral home from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday prior to the graveside service. Arrangements by Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd, Va. Online condolences may be made by visiting maberryfuneralhome.com.