Velma Anne Shimel

Velma Anne Shimel, 81, of Fredericksburg, Virginia passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024, in Lanexa, Virginia.

Anne was born in 1942 in Buchanan County, Virginia. She moved to the Washington D.C. area in the early 1960’s where she would lay down roots and raise her children. 

Anne was a retired federal government accountant and had a very accomplished career with both the Department of the Navy and IRS, where she was one of the very first female IRS agents in the country. She was a member of Eagles #4123 and Moose 1592 Auxiliaries, a member of Northern Virginia Shag Club and she belonged to the Red Hat Society. She was an active and proud, founding member of Prince William and Stafford Counties Neighborhood Watch for many years.

Anne’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a dedicated wife and a kind, selfless, generous mother with a deep love for her children. She was a talented swing dancer that specialized in D.C. hand dancing and shag dancing.  Anne was an avid, knowledgeable gardener who loved to grow beautiful flowers and vegetables for her family. She loved to laugh and be in the company of her many loved ones and friends. Anne touched many lives during her lifetime and will be missed greatly by all those who loved her.

She is survived by her son Jimmy Vaughn Boyd; daughter Lisa Ann Cole and her husband Berry; four grandchildren Rebecca Ann Boyd, Russell JP Boyd, Mason Thomas Cole and Lauren Rylee Cole; step-children Sue Shimel, Steven Shimel, Michael Gilham and John Gilham; five great-grandchildren Aubrey, Carson, Paisley, Serenity, and Ava; sisters Elowese (Eugene), Lucetta (David); brothers Windel (Thelma) and Clancy (Patricia); sister-in-law Patsy Towler; and multiple nieces and nephews. 

Anne was preceded in death by her husband of 21 years, William Leroy Shimel; parents, Morgania and Patton Deel Jr.; brothers Cleamis Deel and Vendette Deel and her husband, Daniel Gilham. 

A private graveside service will be held at a later date to be determined.