Judy Elizabeth Coffey Akers, 80, of Fairlawn, Virginia, passed away peacefully Dec. 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born Nov. 13, 1945, at Arlington Hospital in Arlington, Virginia, Judy was a beacon of warmth and creativity. Judy was one of four children, graduated from Falls Church High School, and married Charles “Chuck” E. Akers, Jr. on Feb. 2, 1968. A devoted wife and mother, Judy spent the early years of married life raising son Chad Everette Akers and daughter Cori Elizabeth Akers. Judy later worked at the Department of Interior in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Geological Survey in Reston, the Department of the Army at Vint Hills Farms Station in Warrenton, and lastly retired at the Department of the Army in Radford.
Judy and husband Chuck moved to Radford in 1998 in their quest to one day retire on their dream parcel of land overlooking the New River. After a few years of living in the Civil War era, one-bedroom cabin they had relocated from Maryland, they quickly realized that the charming, but very small, log cabin was just not large enough to accommodate their extended family for the holidays. So, what started out as one log cabin quickly became two log cabins and two additions. Their dream home quickly became the go-to for every Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Judy is survived by her husband of 57 years, Chuck; her children Chad and Cori and their spouses Carmen and Dick; her two sisters Betty Ann Nevitt and Carol Jean Pegler; her bonus children Cliff and Julie Potter and bonus grandchildren Jake, Maddie, and Tessa; as well as many more dear friends. Roger, Judy’s younger and loving brother, predeceased Judy several years earlier.
Judy will forever be remembered for her love of family, friends, and music. Judy had many gifts, one of which was that she could play almost any instrument by ear. Her uncanny ability to repurpose family heirlooms and furniture, giving them a whole new life, also made her the family historian. Behind every picture, chair and plate was a story, which made every holiday that much more special.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Her ashes will be scattered privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Medi Home Health and Hospice (www.msahealthcare.com) in her honor.
The Akers family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
