On Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 am, all family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Barbara Ellen Sheppard Surface, who passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the age of 93. She will be missed by all who crossed her path in life.
Born in the Prices Fork community, where she lived her life. She worked at Poly-Scientific and was recognized as an exemplary employee and was a senior member of Prices Fork Community Church. A lover of all growing things, for many years, she supplied bouquets to all the teachers at Prices Fork Elementary School for the first day of class. Those who knew her envied her green thumb and her ability to turn her hand to many things… drawing, painting, sewing. She could transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Albert Surface; and her parents, John and Ruth Linkous Sheppard; a baby sister, Catherine; her older brother, Garland (Billy) Sheppard; two nephews, Carl and Wendell Sheppard and her son-in-law, S.Wali Abdi.
She was well known for her kind nature, love of flowers, and willingness to provide unconditional care for all. Free with praise and opening doors to the word of God.
She is survived by her four children, John (Sherree) Surface, Angela (Ralph) Abdi, Rebecca (Mark) Clark and Timothy (Crystal) Surface; grandchildren, Carrie, Lori, and Sean, Aarin, Michelle and Carol, Mitchell and Sarah, Dylan, Zoe, Blake and James; eleven great-grandchildren; her eldest brother, Jay (Pat) Sheppard; six nieces and nephews; and dedicated friend, Peggy Borman.
A special remark of gratitude to Lori Martin for her great devotion and care she gave her grandmother in the last months of her life.
Our family celebrates a purpose-driven life of this servant of God, family and community.
The family received friends Saturday, April 11, 2026 prior to the service at McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg. Burial will follow in Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg.
