Shirley Lanham
1914-1969

           Shirley Marie Vance was born September 21, 1914 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her father, George, owned a shoe store and her mother, Marie, was an artist who painted, played the piano, and was an accomplished clothing designer.

           After graduating from high school, Shirley attended the University of Southern California. In 1940 she married Harvey P. Lanham, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a career naval officer and pilot.

           Shirley and Harvey were devoted to each other, their family, and to the Navy. Although, as many Navy families do, the Lanhams moved 18 times during their 29 years of marriage, they felt their lives were truly enriched by living in Japan and having the opportunity to make friends with many Japanese people.

           Shirley was a petite woman, standing 5'1" with green eyes and brown hair. While small in stature, she was a very positive person with an abundance of energy and enthusiasm.

           During the 1960's, when the Lanhams lived at Atsugi, all Atsugi students were bused to Camp Zama and Sagamihara Housing Area to attend school. Shirley worked to have a school for Atsugi children built on NAF where her husband was a Rear Admiral.

          Lanham Elementary School was opened in the fall of 1969. Unfortunately, Shirley Lanham died unexpectedly of a heart attack shortly before its opening and was never able to see the educational facility which bears her name.

           Shirley and Harvey Lanham had a daughter and a son, Cheryl, born in 1945,  and Peter, born in 1949. They also consider the children of the school that bears her name Shirley Lanham's children.

          Clearly, Shirley Lanham was an extraordinary person who enjoyed helping others and strived to do great things in her community. We at Lanham Elementary School continuously strive to uphold her spirit of service and generosity each and every day.