Ethel Akers Crowder, 80 of Independence, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at Grayson Nursing & Rehab Center. Mrs. Crowder was born in Wythe County to the late William & Amanda Browder Graham. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Daniel Akers, Sr. and a grandson Donald Lee Thomas, III. She is survived by two sons & daughters-in-law Daniel & Irene Akers of Max Meadows and Nathan & Polly Akers of Hillsville; two daughters & sons-in-law Delphna & Lee Thomas of Austinville and Gerri Surratt of Austinville & C. Steve Surratt of Walnut Cove, NC; brother William Graham of Bassett; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 7:30 PM at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel with Pastor Lee Thomas officiating. A private burial will follow at a later time in the Browder Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 until 7:30 PM on Thursday night prior to the funeral service.