POUND, VA – It is with heavy hearts and immense sadness that we announce the passing of Ione Lee (Sheppard) Sturgill. Ione was a devoted Christian, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who left this world peacefully on Sunday September 14, 2025, having turned 91years of age the day before.

Ione dedicated her life to the care and happiness of those she loved. She always put the needs of others before her own. Her family was her greatest joy, she nurtured and loved them unconditionally. Ione tried to take care of everyone, partially because she never knew who Libby would bring home with her. Ione was a member of Lone Pine Chapel Church and retired from the Town of Pound as the sewer plant operator.

She also worked for years as a substitute teacher. She loved Code Red Mt Dew and grilled cheeses and was known for her banana pudding. Ione loved the simple things in life and sharing them with her family and friends.

Ione was preceded in death by her husband Roy L. "Tucker" Sturgill; her parents Oscar and Beulah (Meade) Sheppard; sisters Lana Carol Stidham and Grace Ann Sheppard; and brother Lawrence Sheppard.

Ione is survived by her beloved daughter Elizabeth "Libby" Fleming and son-in-law Brian Fleming-Pound, VA; her granddaughter Haylee Fleming-Pound, VA; her sister Babrbara Kendrick-Wise, VA; her special nieces "Sissy" Margaret Fleming and Susan Gearhardt; great niece Savannah Gearhardt; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and loved ones.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr Khan and the nurses and staff at Norton Community Hospital and the nurses and staff (especially the weekend staff) at Heritage Hall-Wise for their care and kindness toward Ione.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 pm Wednesday September 17, 2025 in the Baker Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Greg Cyphers and Reverend Randy Carter officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until time of services.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 am Thursday September 18, 2025 at the Hillman Cemetery on Old Indian Creek Road-Pound, VA where family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. Family and friends are asked to meet at Baker Funeral Home by 10:00 am for the final viewing and to prepare to go in procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wise County Humane Society or Tri State Animal Rescue.

Baker Funeral Home-Pound, VA is serving the family of Ione Lee (Sheppard) Sturgill.