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Brenda Carter Akers

Brenda Akers Obituary

Beloved wife, mother, and friend, Brenda Carter Akers, of Roanoke, passed away Friday, November 14, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer. Brenda was born April 12, 1940, in Roanoke, Va. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl C. Carter; and her mother, Lillian P. Carter. Surviving is her loving husband of 46 years, Russell B. Akers; and her children, son, Chris, and his wife, Allison, and their children Dylan and Gavin; and her daughter, Angela and her husband, Adam McDowell; and also by her sister, Deborah C. Martin and her husband, Phil; and her brother, Gregory C. Stewart and his wife, Tania. Brenda will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but we will forever carry her spirit in our hearts. The family will receive friends and family at the West End Presbyterian Church, 1200 Campbell Ave. SW on Saturday November 22, 2008, in the fellowship hall from 2 to 3 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Brenda's life will follow at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The Rev. Tony Ward will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 989-3131.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Nov. 15 to Nov. 20, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Brenda Akers

20 Entries

Beth (Bause) Litherland

December 1, 2008

To Angie and the Akers Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Aundrea Tyree

November 25, 2008

Angie and Family:
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Please know I am thinking of you. Aundrea (Grant) Tyree

Stephanie (Johnston) Spaulding

November 24, 2008

Angie and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Both of your parents were so good to me and to all of us girls while we were roommates in Blacksburg. She was a wonderful and caring person and your parents always made me feel like part of your family. I know this is a terrible time for you and I just want you to know that I'm thinking about you.

November 24, 2008

To Angie and the Akers family:
My deepest sympathy to this tremendous loss in your family. I will forever keep all the fond memories of Brenda in my heart. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Jackie Vale (Malcolm)

Karen Shelton

November 24, 2008

Twenty-eight years ago the Lord put into my life's path a wonderful lady, Brenda Akers. As Russ and others have already heard, I met Brenda for the first time when she sat across the big desk from me, alongside Dr. Tom Donnelly. They were interviewing me for what was planned to be a temporary position to cover a maternity leave for Doris Aldridge. My first reaction to seeing Brenda was one of inner panic. The perfectly poised Brenda reminded me of my high school creative writing teacher and, at the initial introduction, I thought I would never make it through the interview, much less live to tell about it twenty-eight years later. But my fears were unfounded, as Brenda quickly put me at ease with her warm smile and easygoing manner.
Ironically, even though "teacher" was not her job title, she became one of the best teachers I've been blessed to have in my life. Brenda taught mostly by example. She was not a micro-manager. She never insisted that you do a task a certain way. She just let you observe the way that she did things. This included everything from simple office tasks to the way she handled personality conflicts, always very calmly, but with direct suggestions.
Over the years Brenda was my counsel with problems at the office and at home. She was never too busy to listen. We shared the joys and sorrows of our lives and families.
In the last few weeks of her life, Brenda had yet another lesson to teach. She taught me how to die with dignity. She held on as long as she could, but then she slipped away. She never complained to me about aches and pains. I only knew she had them because of her grimaces.
I was so blessed to have Brenda as my teacher and my boss but mostly as my friend. I'm counting on her spirit to be with me as I continue down whatever path the Lord has in mind for me. Frequently I'll be thinking, "How would Brenda handle that?"
My love and prayers to Russ, Angie, Chris and all the family

Gail Hooper

November 22, 2008

Russell and family,
Brenda hired me to work for her back in 2000 when she was with Dr Malpass.We had such a good time when we worked together and she was everyones ear. she listen so very well and with compassion. She always held a speical place in my heart. And I sure am going to miss her just like I know you all well. I tried to talk to her as much as possible after she retired and then after she got sick. She has a new body now free of pain and a new home in heaven with her parents. God Bless you and your family in your time of sorrow.

Helen Bova

November 21, 2008

Brenda and I went to school together and my Mother took us to see some of the early blues bands at the old American Legion Auditorium. I remember we sat on the bleachers and watched the dancers. We saw Fats Domino, Little Richard and many more of the rock and roll legends. Brenda was a very happy and friendly person and I know that her family and friends will miss her very much. I will be keeping them in my thoughts and prayers.

Heidi (Holody) McClintic

November 20, 2008

Angie and Family - I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I have wonderful memories of her from when I was younger. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Elizabeth Hill

November 19, 2008

Dear Akers Family,

I did not have the privilege of knowing Brenda personally. I am friends with her son Chris and his wife Allison. Words cannot ease the sorrow you feel, but know that we lift each of you and your family members up in our prayers so God can help comfort you during this time. Our deepest sympathy is sent to you from many miles away!! We are thinking of you and are here if you need us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you -

The Hill Family

RaLynda Dudley

November 19, 2008

Dear Russell

I want to express my sadness felt at this time for you and all the family. But we all know that through Brenda's courage in dealing with this terrible illiness that she would only want your hearts to be filled with the warmth and love that she shared not only with all of you but to everyone she knew. May all the memories help to carry you through these tough times and know how blessed we were to have her in our lives.

Love you guys,

Buncy

Bryan & Allyson Spring

November 18, 2008

Our sympathies to the Akers family. God bless.

Melanie Hashmi

November 18, 2008

Dear Angie, Russ, and the entire Akers Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Brenda was an amazing women who shared her sunshine with every person she met. Her courage to tackle and battle such an awful disease is just one of her many strengths. I know the beautiful memories you have of her will guide you through this difficult time and allow you to feel her strength and courage as you deal with this sorrow. Love you! Melanie and Reza Hashmi

Glenda Wigginton Scott

November 18, 2008

Russell and family
I am so sorry you all have suffered with your wife as she fought this terrible disease. May God bless and give you all the strength you need to carry on now .

Susan and Ned Hayes

November 17, 2008

Dear Russell, Chris, Allison, Angie, Adam, Dylan, Gavin, Debbie & Greg

Please know that our prayers are there with each of you during this sad time. We have so many heartfelt and happy memories from such a special friendship of more than 40 years. Brenda was fun to be with and she was always sensitive and caring towards anyone she knew. Of course, her family was the center of her life and she was so proud of each of you. We will miss her and will never forget what a beautiful person she was.

Love, Susan & Ned Hayes

Jennifer Bowman

November 17, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Akers family. No words can describe your sorrow or our sympathy...we just hope you know that we will be here to support you through it all.

Kelly Jenkins

November 17, 2008

Angela: My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Barbara Chappell

November 16, 2008

I first met Brenda when she so graciously hired me to work as a Unit Secretary. Little did I know at that time that she would not only become my Manager but a special friend. We have spent many hours talking, laughing as well as crying together either in person or on the phone. I will miss hearing her voice and that smile that she so often gave to me and everyone around her. God has taken her home now where she now has a new body with no more pain and has left us here to remember her
and all that she brought to our lives.
Our sincere love and condolences go out to her wonderful and dear family at this time.

Sincerely,
Barbara & Danny Chappell

Doris Aldridge

November 16, 2008

Brenda was a dear friend and like a sister to me. I had known Brenda for many years. Times in our lives pulled us apart for awhile, but I never forgot that friendship. Then through work, we came back together as if we had never been apart and the friendship grew stronger. She had so many wonderful friends that loved her dearly.She was always a hard worker and gave 100% if not more, to her job and helping her co-workers. She always listened when I needed her and would advise me when asked. She was the friend you could always count on. I watched Angie and Chris grow up and marry. She was so proud of them and loved being a grandmother. Brenda was so dedicated to her parents and took such good care of them, through the good times and the hard times. I can only say I know Brenda is with her parents and friends now, not in pain anymore. She did fight a courageous battle and she was an angel on earth to many of us and now will be eternally an angel to watch over us. God bless her and my blesssings are with Russ,Angie, and Chris and their families.To Greg and Debbie also. Brenda was loved dearly by many and will be forever in our hearts.

Sonia Vest

November 16, 2008

I am going to miss you so much Brenda. It has been my pleasure knowing you and your family all these years and a joy to be your hairdresser. Brenda touch me in so many ways and i will carry her memory with me always.

Keli Whitlock

November 15, 2008

Mrs Akers, I know you had a great life and touch so many others lives including mine. I know you are not in pain anymore but you will always be in my heart. You have help me through so many things. Thank you. I will always remember you.

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