Shirley Rae Baber James

Shirley Rae Baber James, 84, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on November 1, 2026, leaving behind a family who adored her and a lifetime of memories filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of mischief.

Born on July 18, 1942, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Shirley was the daughter of the late Filmer James Baber and Lois Ballard Baber.

Shirley was truly one of a kind. Fiercely independent, incredibly intelligent, and never afraid to speak her mind, she often reminded those around her, "I am not a sheep." In fact, she once wrote, "I am not a sheep. I do not do what other people do. I do what I do." She had her own opinions, stood by what she believed, and wasn't particularly concerned whether everyone agreed with her. That was Shirley, and those who knew her wouldn't have had it any other way.

Shirley and her beloved husband, Robert Earl "Squirrel" James, were married on February 28, 1965. In a way that was so very Shirley, the two quietly eloped to York, South Carolina, changed into their wedding clothes in the car, got married, and returned home without telling anyone. Shirley went to work the next morning, and it wasn't until someone noticed her wedding ring that the secret was out. Years later, she said she'd do it exactly the same way again. Together, they built a life and raised their four children: Rodney, Tambi, Mandy, and Kara.

While Squirrel worked to support the family, Shirley devoted her early years to raising their children, using her creativity and sewing talents to earn extra money along the way. She made everything from clothing to draperies, and her sewing became something many people came to her for. As her children grew older, she returned to the workforce and pursued her education. While working as an office manager and bookkeeper at IMC, she earned her bachelor's degree from Lynchburg College and became an accountant. She worked at Central Fidelity and later the City of Lynchburg, where she earned her master's degree from Virginia Tech while continuing to work. She retired from the City after 17 years.

Shirley and Squirrel stood by one another through thick and thin throughout their 26 years of marriage, until his passing in 1991. In the years that followed, she remained a source of strength, stability, and unwavering love for her family. She was fiercely proud of her children and protective of those she loved, always making sure they had what they needed.

Being a grandmother and great-grandmother brought Shirley tremendous joy. She shared a special bond with her first grandchild, Zachary, who introduced her to the joys of being a grandmother. As her family grew, she welcomed Stuart, Jacy, and Jason, and later her great-grandchildren, Ryan and Eliana, whom she affectionately called "Ellie B." Shirley was a hands-on grandmother who took a genuine interest in their lives. Whether making a homemade kite, learning to play a video game, working on a puzzle, or simply spending time together, she found ways to connect with them and make each feel special.

Shirley had an extraordinary mind and a lifelong love of learning. She had studied chemistry at Emory & Henry College when she was younger and maintained an interest in science, particularly physics and astronomy, throughout her life. An avid puzzle enthusiast, she was also a devoted Jeopardy! viewer, watching faithfully for decades and often knowing the answers before the contestants. Her family never stopped being amazed by just how much she knew. Saturday evenings were often spent at her daughter's home, enjoying dinner and working on puzzles with her daughters and sometimes her grandchildren. These simple traditions became some of the family's most treasured memories.

Creative in so many ways, Shirley loved sewing, gardening, and making things with her hands. She also had a passion for travel and exploring new places. Scotland held a particularly special place in her heart, and her adventures took her across the United States and around the world. She took great interest in her Baber family ancestry, which had been traced back centuries to England, and enjoyed keeping up with new discoveries about her family's history. In 2016, she traveled to Chew Magna, England, for an international family reunion, an opportunity to connect with relatives and experience a place deeply rooted in her family's heritage. She also loved the beach, spending many summers on the North Carolina coast with her daughters and grandchildren. Whether traveling abroad or visiting family across the country, Shirley embraced opportunities to explore, spend time with loved ones, and make lasting memories.

Shirley also loved connecting with people. She made friends online from all over the world, keeping up with many of them over the years and even meeting some during her travels. She enjoyed getting to know people, hearing their stories, and building friendships that reached far beyond her hometown.

Shirley also believed in contributing to her community. For many years, she served as secretary of the Lakeland neighborhood, faithfully giving her time and energy until stepping down at the end of 2025.

And beneath that sharp mind and strong will was a delightful mischievous streak. Her family loved hearing stories of her younger years, including the time she arranged to have 100 chickens sent to her college dorm mother as a prank. It was just one of several memorable college antics. She had a gift for making people laugh, often when they least expected it.

Above all, Shirley loved her family, and they loved her right back. The outpouring of memories and condolences from those who knew her is a testament to the many lives she touched. She will be remembered for her strength, her humor, her creativity, her wisdom, her generous heart, and the unmistakable spirit that made her Shirley.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Earl "Squirrel" James; her parents, Filmer James Baber and Lois Ballard Baber; and her brother, Robert Baber.

She is survived by her four children, Rodney, Tambi, Mandy, and Kara; her grandchildren, Zachary, Stuart and Austin, Jacy and Vicki, and Jason and Candyce; her great-grandchildren, Ryan and Eliana; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Spring Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Following the service, family and friends will gather at The Timberlake Tavern from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. to spend time together and share memories of Shirley.

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