Brenda Rakes Shepherd 83, of Dublin, VA went to her heavenly home on Tuesday January 13, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born to the late Madeline Shank and Wilton Rakes. She is now in the loving arms of her Savior and reunited forever with her husband of 62 years, Harvey.

In addition to her parents, she has been reunited with those who have preceded her in death, her husband Paul Harvey Shepherd; her son Danny McKinley Shepherd, and his wife Jenny; 2 sisters, Barbara Green and Gloria Stotelmeyer.

She is survived by her children, Chris Shepherd (Mitsy), Debbie Pifer (Tim), and Cindy Blankenship (Mike); grandchildren, Chessie Wilf (David), Truly Akers, Danelle Slaughter, Tristi Turman (Cody), Michael Blankenship, Christopher Blankenship (Sara), Briana Linkous (Cody), Payton Shepherd; and great-grandchildren, Nick Conner, T.J. Hawkins, Stanley Warden, Davin Akers, Zakk Slaughter, Lukk Slaughter, Braxton Wilf, Blake Wilf, Brielle Wilf, Amiah Miller, Aubrei Stump, Kaylynn Turman, Chloe Blankenship, Braydon Blankenship, Lucas Blankenship, Caden Linkous, Beckham Linkous, and Kylee Linkous, great-great granddaughter Kennedy Conner. 1 sister Teresa Phillips (Ricky), 3 brothers Dennis Rakes (Pat), David Rakes (Sharon), Wesley Rakes (Lori), many nieces and nephews; and her special, faithful four-legged friend, companion, and protector Poppie, who would not let anyone near her without barking at them.

Brenda worked at Pulaski Furniture in Dublin VA and Hubbell Lighting in Christiansburg VA. She loved her husband, he was her one and only. She also loved and adored her children and grandchildren. Brenda loved to dance, go camping, swinging on her porch, the beach, boat rides, water tubing and playing bingo.

The family would also like to express their appreciation to ACG Hospice for their love and care of their mother for the last several years.

Special thanks to her nurses Chelsea and Sara for their compassion and care. Then there is OUR Marsha. There are not enough words to express our gratitude for her compassion, care and love that she had for our mom. She wasn’t just a nurse she quickly became our friend and sister. She loved our mom just like she was her own and mom loved her back the same way. We will forever be grateful for her with our painful journey.

Pallbearers for Brenda are Chris Shepherd, Michael Blankenship, Mikey Blankenship, Christopher Blankenship, Tim Pifer, Cody Linkous, Nick Conner, and Cody Turman.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:00 at Horne Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 2:00 in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Adam Frye officiating. Entombment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg VA.

Online condolences may be left by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.

Services will be streamed on the Horne Funeral Home YouTube page.Live stream