Phala Lea Akers Lovern Shepheard

Phala Lea Akers Lovern Shepheard, age 94 of Christiansburg, died Friday evening October 16, 2026 at Heritage Hall in Blacksburg.  She was born in Blacksburg on April 9, 1932, and was the daughter of the late Snowie Lea Akers Lovern and the late Daniel Lloyd Lovern.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: a son; Phillip Ralph Lovern: brothers; Melvin and Dewey Lovern: sisters; Luria Estes.

 

Our sweet mother was a light of love and care to everyone she met.  She never met a stranger; she loved to talk, listen, and had the incredible gift of remembering everyone’s names, their children, and their grandchildren.  Affectionately known to us as the “Road Runner,” she was always on the go-visiting her sister, enjoying a shopping trip, or heading out to eat.  Of course, she was also our very own “Goldilocks.”  She was famously picky, and everything had to be just right: never too hot or too cold, too soft or too hard.

 

We will always cherish those funny, particular quirks that made her exactly who she was.  She deeply loved her family, and every phone call was filled with her questions about how everyone was doing.  We are so thankful for the precious time we got to spend together with her this past summer.  Rest in peace Mama.  Your love lives on in every generation you blessed.  We love you so much.

 

Deeply missed and forever loved.  Your children:  Vickie Lovern Young, Eric Bryan Shepheard:  sisters: Linda (Wayne) Linkous, and Pat Linkous:  brothers; Tony (Sandy) Lovern, Ward (Kate) Lovern, and Sonnie Lovern: grandchildren; Matthew Lee Smith, Jennifer Lynn Simmons, Matt Bryan Shepheard:  great-grandchildren; Abigail and Kylee Simmons, Summer Grace, Sofia, and Sawyer Smith and Ivy Shepheard.

 

There will be no services.

 

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com  Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Pulaski.  540-980-1700