Shirley Joan DeHart, 85, of Radford, died on Sunday, December 3, 2017 Shirley was an original and unique lady. Greatly loved by her family and friends. She was an avid horticulturist and "do-it-yourselfer." Her "green thumb" produced some of the best tomatoes ever eaten and most beautiful plants. What we thought was refuse in that silver pot on the kitchen counter was instead compost used in her garden. She loved to can and pickle and created a recipe for out of the world good, pimento cheese. Having a lifelong love of sweets, Shirley also loved to bake, often making candies, cookies and cakes. Throughout her life she was an avid bird watcher. She enjoyed sitting outside, watching and talking to her bird friends as they gathered in the bird feeders. She had potted plants on the porch and surrounding the porch that she maintained from year to year. Sitting on the beach, she could identify and tell you the species of birds and interesting facts of each. She excelled at growing things, composting, studying the word of God, living within her means, outsmarting you in games of trivia. She loved reading mystery novels, puzzle books and knitting. Shirley loved "Dancing with the Stars" on television and never missed a Virginia Tech Hokie football game. Shirley worked as a payroll specialist at Lynchburg Foundry for over forty years. She was interested in numbers, crossword puzzles, Suduko, word riddles, and word searches. She was a smart, intelligent and funny lady. She took pride in the work of her parents, Eugene Richard DeHart and Nannie Corbin DeHart. They taught her about politics, self-advocacy and religion. She enjoyed watching politicians act like preachers and preachers act like politicians. Shirley encouraged everyone to vote, as she would say, "Its your civic duty!" Shirley was loved by many and especially her family. She is survived by two sisters, Edna DeHart Carden, (Clarence-deceased); Doris DeHart Boitnott (Gene-deceased) and one brother Douglas Eugene DeHart (Jenny). Shirley was adored by her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews and great-great nephews. Shirley traveled extensively throughout her life. One especially memorable trip was going to the Holy Lands in Israel. She loved the beach, Amish country, travel group bus excursions, eating out at her favorite Seafood restaurant, day trips to the Skyline Drive, shopping near-far and her beloved QVC she had been featured on-air several times. We are deeply grateful for the caring and compassionate First Responders from the City of Radford and Carillion. Also the staff of doctors and nurses at New River Valley Carilion Hospital, the Life-Guard transport and the staff of doctors and nurses in the ICU at Roanoke Memorial Carilion Hospital. Each one of you blessed us with your kindness and the extraordinary care given to our beloved Shirley. The family will receive friends from 12 until 2 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2017 at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. A celebration of her life will begin at 2 p.m. with Pastor Allison Unroe officiating. Interment will follow in West View Cemetery in Radford. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Fairlawn Presbyterian Church or to Radford First Responders. The DeHart family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Virginia. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com Visitation Friday, December 8, 2017 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM Mullins Funeral Home 120 West Main Street Radford,VA 24141 Celebration of Life Service Friday, December 8, 2017 02:00 PM Mullins Funeral Home 120 West Main Street Radford,VA 24141 Burial Friday, December 8, 2017 West View Cemetery 5th and Pendleton Streets Radford,VA 24141