Elizabeth Erlyne Miles Mangum, left this world on Saturday, February 9, 2019, to join her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, in heaven. She is survived by her husband, Dewitte Joel Mangum, Jr.; her daughter, Laurie Erlyne Mangum Thomassian (Tim); her grandchildren, Bethany Thomassian, Nate Thomassian, and Becca Thomassian of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; two sons, Gregg Mangum and Jon Mangum of Glen Allen, Virginia; sister, Jackie Tucker; and brother, Emerson Miles. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Miles and Virginia Miles Sprouse and brother, Lonny Miles.
Erlyne, a trained vocalist and accomplished pianist, taught piano and organ in Suffolk, Va. for 23 years. She used her musical talents at First Baptist Church and in various other ways while living in Suffolk. Erlyne was active in bringing Fragile X Syndrome disease to the forefront in Suffolk and Richmond. She was instrumental in writing a federal grant which led to the establishment of a school for disabled students living in Suffolk, Franklin, and three surrounding counties.
Erlyne was a graduate of John Marshall High School, class of 1956, and was involved with various school activities. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in experimental psychology. Erlyne was also certified as a lay counselor by the American Association of Christian Counselors. After further training, she received a voluntary clerical, ethical, and biblical standard of practice from Liberty University. As an active member of Mechanicsville Christian Center, she invested 15 years in their Barnabas Program of Counseling. She also worked at Dalkon Shield as a medical analyst, trainer, and advocate.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 4 to 7 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home, 9271 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville, Va. A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at Mechanicsville Christian Center, 8061 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville, Va. Interment will follow in Signal Hill Memorial Park.
