Joyce A. Leonard Akers

July 13, 1943 - March 5, 2017

Joyce Ann Akers, 73, of Bristol, Tennessee passed away Sunday, March 5, 2017 in the Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol, Tennessee. She was born in Bristol, TN on July 13, 1943, a daughter of the late John William Leonard and Bonnie Belle Sellers Leonard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James "Frank" F. Akers; and thirteen siblings. She was a loving and a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. Joyce loved sewing and quilting. Joyce is survived by her four sons, Jonathan F. Akers and wife Debra, David B. Akers, James C. Akers and wife Mary Ann, and Christopher F. Wagner and wife Ashley; four daughters, Treva Wade, and her husband Tim, Clara Jene Leonard and husband Tommy, Elizabeth "Libby" Lawson and husband Roger, and Clara Bell Patrick and her husband John; 38 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren. The family would like to express a special thank you to the doctors and nursing staff of 2 East and her respiratory therapist for all the love and care shown to Joyce during her illness. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Blevins Funeral and Cremation Services, 417 Lee Street, Bristol, VA 24201. The funeral service will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. following the visitation with Pastor Steve Dingus officiating. The committal service and interment will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Sunrise Cemetery, Bluff City, TN. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:45 A.M..