Sylvia Kepley Pickeral

Sylvia K Pickeral, January 6, 1938 to February 10, 2025.

It’s with heavy hearts that our mom, Sylvia K Pickeral of Rustburg, VA, surrounded by her children when she was called home to Jesus after suffering from a long illness. 

She was a strong and loving mom who knew no strangers, she loved to cook for everyone, which this was her happy place. She opened her home to anyone who needed help. Raised on a farm in Pittsylvania Co., she learned at an early age to work hard.

In 1974 mom was the first woman to work in the mill at Grief Brothers (formerly VA Fibre) in the lab where she mastered the technique in making a good product and keeping things running smoothly. At the young age of 62 she retired from Grief Brothers after 25 years.

She was the daughter of the late Crawford Kepley and Clarice Pruitt Kepley. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years Ellison B Pickeral Sr.

Sylvia is survived by her children, Angela Martin of Lynchburg, Donna Rakes (Charlie) of Rustburg, Bryant Pickeral (Amy) of Hurt, and Boyd Pickeral of Rustburg. Her siblings; a sister Joan Soyars of Cascade, and a brother Charles Kepley (Sue) of Gretna.

Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren, Tracy McCool (Mike) of Abingdon, Phillip Behrns (Phana) Falls Church, Trevor Wilson (Westie) Bedford, Ashleigh Mathews Lyndhurst, Lindsey Pickeral, Roanoke, Davin and Alex Pickeral Moneta, Justin Woosley of Renan, and Luke Woosley of Volens. Great grandchildren Finn and Will McCool, Star and Stella Mathews, Westlyn and Cameron Wilson, Ruby Jane Pickeral, Landon Woosley, Colton Woosley, Easton Woosley, and Levi Woosley. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Let’s not forget the fur babies, Mattie, Jake, Issy, Biscuit and Porter.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 pm, Friday, February 14, 2025, at Tharp Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday February 15, 2025, at Tharp Funeral Home on Breezewood Dr., Lynchburg, Va with Pastor Lynn Marstin officiating, with interment to follow at Gretna Cemetery; friends will be welcome at the home of Donna & Charlie Rakes home at 452 Chestnut Forest Court Rustburg, VA after the interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Campbell Co Rescue Squad, or charity of your choice.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.