Deborah Noel

Deborah Ward Mayhew Noel, 72, of Lynchburg, Virginia went home to meet her Lord on April 28th, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Stanley Mayhew and Dorothy Overstreet Mayhew.

Deborah was born on November 23, 1952, in Lynchburg, Virginia, and lived her entire life on her family's beautiful garden property. She attended school at Brookville High in her adventurous teens.

She was a daughter of Jesus who deeply loved God's creation. She cultivated magnificent gardens, lavished love on countless cherished pets, and represented the love of Christ to her fellow man through such generosity, forgiveness, and unconditional love setting a high standard for those she leaves behind.

She lived a kaleidoscopic life, variegated with diverse interests, employments and hobbies. She was a creative wonder, and her work as a florist shared with her city an eye for design, artistic ability, and undeniable whimsy that were so apparent to everyone who knew her.

Her daughters were the treasure of her life. She was a devoted mother and a dazzling "Meemaw" who made everyone feel welcome and appreciated.

Deborah is survived by former spouse James Noel, their children: Rachel Soward (David), Angela Saumenig (Matt), Jesica Ripley (Matt): her grandchildren: Epiphany VandeBogart (Shaun), Keilah Soward, James Soward (Sydney), Aryn Soward, Ezra Saumenig (Chloe), Jonah Ripley, Eden Ripley, and her great granddaughter: Saylor Saumenig.

In addition to her parents, Deborah is preceded in death by her brother, Wayne, and her close cousin Carolyn Ramsey.

A funeral service will be held on May 7th, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Beulah Baptist Church with Pastor Chad Brady officiating.

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