Shirley Mae James Mehl

Shirley M. Mehl of Lynchburg, Virginia, died Thursday night, July 18, at Virginia Baptist Hospital. 

Born in Silver Spring, Maryland on July 30, 1934 to Stephen P. and Mae Rose James, originally of Hazel Green, Kentucky, Mrs. Mehl graduated from Montgomery Blair High School before going overseas to attend the American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon. 

Mrs. Mehl was an accomplished pianist, and enjoyed writing essays and short stories throughout her life.  She spent many years volunteering as a heating assistance provider in Lynchburg.  She was an avid and eclectic reader and collector, and was known for her grasp of a wide variety of subjects, from the arts to the sciences to world affairs.  Having lived and traveled extensively throughout the Middle East as a young woman, Mrs. Mehl had a unique perspective on many of the challenges facing the region today.

Mrs. Mehl is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Joseph M. Mehl, Jr., originally of Washington, DC; by her brother, Captain James Hugh James, USMC; and by her sister, Alice Meyer. 

She is survived by her sister, Judy Coleman, and by her children, Bonnie Girard and husband Roland Evans, of Petersburg VA and South Wales, UK, and Joseph M. Mehl III, of Lynchburg.  She is also survived by loving nieces and nephews Meredith, Christie, and Eric; Steve & Sue; Kathy; Sharon, Teresa, Helen, Michael, and Leila.

A graveside service at Spring Hill Cemetery will take place on Tuesday, July 23rd, at 1:00 pm.  Tharp Funeral Home is officiating.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to UNICEF.

 Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg is assisiting the family 434-237-9424

 

 

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