Dorothy Shelton Lanham

Lanham, Dorothy Shelton, 90, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2016. She was born in Pittsylvania County, VA on December 25, 1925, a birthday date she was very proud and happy to have! She was married on that same date, Christmas 1948, to James “Bill” Warren Lanham, Jr. who predeceased her in 1998. Her first born son, Dr. James “Jim” Warren Lanham, III predeceased her in November, 2014. Her parents, Claude and Sue Arendall Shelton and a toddler brother, Carson also predeceased her. She is survived by her son, Jeffrey Carson Lanham, his wife, Jane Himmelman Lanham and granddaughter, Grace Himmelman Lanham. She is also survived by her brother, Kenneth Shelton and his wife, Nancy and their daughter, Karen Smith and her family all of Halifax County, Va. Dot was born and raised on a tobacco farm where she learned how to work hard and appreciate what she had and earned. She moved to Newport News, VA after high school graduation and got a job supporting the efforts of World War 2 at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company where she also met her husband. She also worked as a bookkeeper with Virginia National Bank and as a deputy treasurer for the City of Hampton, Va. She also took great pride and enjoyment in being a crafter with her business “Dot’s Custom Crafts” where she made many friends and had many good times at multiple craft shows. Her true joy also came from becoming a first time grandmother at age 77 and her years as Mimi to Grace made her life complete. We will celebrate her life at a memorial service at 2 pm on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1400 Horsepen Road, Richmond, VA 23226 where family can be greeted after the service. In lieu of any flowers please donate as you would like to Be The Match, mail to local office at 9702 Gayton Road #333, Richmond VA 23238 in memory of Dot and in honor of Jeff. Condolences may be offered a woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.