Rhea McGrady Akers age 98 of Hillsville, passed away June 9, 2021. She was the daughter of Delmon and Princess McGrady. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rush Akers; grandson, Bobby Akers; daughter-in-law, Connie Akers and an infant son. Also preceding her in death were all of her siblings, Alva McGrady, Poe McGrady, Wise McGrady, Clyde Dickens, Eura Ray, Nova Jackson and Garnett McGrady.

She is survived by her children, Larry Akers (Pat), Steven Akers, John Akers (Kim), Bill Akers (Darlene), Sue Ellen Holler (Ed); Grandchildren, Scott Akers (Julie), Nicholas (Ai), Nathan (Amanda), Zachary (Bethany), Daniel Akers, Rachel Rhea Akers, Allison Evans (Porter), Corey Akers, Sarah Wajda (Dylan), William Holler and Rebecca Holler; Great-grandchildren, Joshua Akers, Jessica Akers, Elias Akers, Finley Akers, Avian Akers, Caroline Akers, Teddy Akers, Mia Akers, Reagan Evans, Brooks Evans, Jonathan Wajda and Eleanor Wajda; Sister-in-law, Jean Alderman.

Rhea had a long, full life with a large, loving family. She was a hard worker her entire life. She told many stories of hard work as a child on the family farm. During WWII she worked at the Radford Arsenal sewing ammunition bags. After the war she completed a cosmetology course and became a hair dresser. Her proudest accomplishment was raising five children! Mama loved working in her flower beds and cooking meals for her family. In her later years she thoroughly enjoyed supervising her children doing the work even though she could have done it better. Mama loved games of Mexican train and especially loved beating her nieces Judy, Susan and Becky at Scrabble. She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews and friends who continued to visit and pray for her until the end. Mama will be missed by her family.

Rhea McGrady Akers had a good run and is now at peace.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 1477 Carrollton Pike, Hillsville VA, 24343 or to the First United Methodist Church 225 Fulcher Street, Hillsville, VA 24343.

Graveside services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, June 12 at Gladesboro Lutheran Church. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.