Diana Shiflett Obituary

Diana R. Shiflett VIRGINIA BEACH - Diana Randall Shiflett passed away July 6, 2009, in Virginia Beach. Born and raised in New Zealand, Diana spent her teen years in Southern California, where she graduated in 1976 from Santa Monica High School. In 1982, she met her husband, the late Stephen Thomas Shiflett of Richmond, Va., with whom she had four children, who excelled due to her unyielding support and guidance. Diana was passionate about art and returned to school to acquire her art degree from California State University Northridge in 1994. Diana moved to Virginia Beach in 2005 and spent the last years of her life teaching her beloved students at Birdneck Elementary School. Diana was predeceased by her sister, Caroline Randall formerly of New Zealand. She is survived by her father, Michael Randall of New Zealand; mother, Maureen Randall of Iowa; daughters, Nicole of San Francisco, Brett and Kylie; and son, Dylan, all of Virginia Beach; sister, Catherine Randall of Tampa, Fla.; and two nephews and four nieces. Diana's family will receive friends Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the 67th Street Beach Club in Virginia Beach. Cremation Society of Virginia, Hampton Roads office, is assisting the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jul. 10, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Diana Shiflett

5 Entries

Victoria Cashion

July 4, 2021

I was just thinking of Diana yesterday. I still hear her voice in remembering convesations and laughter we shared. My condolences again to her precious family that know a good person was taken from this earth way too soon. She lives through you as you make your walk through life. Through you - Diana speaks, loves, cries, laughs, and enjoys. You all embody her spirit. She beams.

Victoria Cashion

July 4, 2019

Diana lives on in my heart! I picture her smile and laughter so easily. She made a lasting impression.

Terri Smith

July 16, 2009

Diana was a fun-loving, free spirit who loved her family and friends very much. We spent many days sitting by the pool with her, watching our daughters compete in swim meets across California. She was a wonderful person and we will always treasure her friendship.
-Tim and Terri Smith

Katie C.

July 13, 2009

Diana was like a second mother to me growing up. She cared for my sister and I as if we were her own and Nicole and Brett, my sister and I were like real life sisters. I have so many wonderful memories of both her and Tom and yet I do not have the ability to communicate those in an eloquent way.

Diana was such a beautiful person, both inside and out and her smile lit up every room she entered and warmed the hearts of all those she met. Her artistic abilities, her kindness, openness, and desire to help others will not be forgotten.

I love you so much and though my heart is heavy, I am relieve to know that your suffering has passed and that you have once again rejoined Tom.

May you rest in peace.

Victoria Cashion

July 11, 2009

Diana Shiflett stands as an amazing symbol of perseverance. She stood tall in stature, but her character rose much higher. Her role as mother to her 4 beautiful children energized her to push through her struggles. She served them unconditionally and gave them a piece of her to carry as they continue life from her image. Their successes in life remained her ongoing charge, and she stopped at nothing to insure that goal.

Nicole, Brett, Dylan and Kylie - your mother touched many. Her passing leaves me with a heavy heart, but a true friendship that I cherish and value, as I remain on of the lucky ones to hold memories of very special times with her. As an artist, she astounded me as she captured things that many of us refuse to reveal - but this represented more of her honesty and openness that I admired and appreciated.

You now live the legacy of both your parents, and I expect nothing less that complete honor from all they instilled in you. Life no doubt threw tough curves at your family, but your parents both gave you strength to find the breaks and make the absolute best of hard situations.

The sorrow I feel for Diana's passing brings reflection to what she deemed important. She worked as an educator of special needs children - knowing she made a difference to a child with a difficult path. This extended to her view on life in general… making a difference.

As she leaves this world in body, her spirit continues amongst us with a wakening reminder that through our pain we must continue to give. This allows us hope and with that, we survive.

Your friend always, Victoria

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results