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Sharmi R. Mehta

1933 - 2025

Sharmi R. Mehta obituary, 1933-2025, Kingsport, TN

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Sharmi Mehta Obituary

Sharmi R Mehta

March 22, 2025

Dr. Sharmi R. Mehta died peacefully in her home in Leesburg, VA on March 22, 2025.

Sharmi was born in Dhandhuka, India on October 10, 1933. She received a bachelor's degree in economics from Gujarat University. After moving to the USA in mid-1960s, she earned a master's degree from Oklahoma State University and a PhD in economics from the University of Tennessee. Sharmi and Raj married in 1971.

She taught economics and statistics at Hampton University and East Tennessee State University (ETSU) for 16 years before retiring. She and Raj lived in Kingsport, TN for 46 years. They moved to Loudoun County in 2017.

All of her interests in and out of work had the common theme of teaching and helping. She had a particular passion about education of underserved girls. She had numerous career interests after retiring from ETSU, including tax preparer, bookkeeper, and personal financial advisor. She became a Certified Laughter Yoga Instructor and taught Laughter Yoga and Meditation at the Kingsport Senior Center for a number of years. She even learned belly dancing at the Kingsport Senior Center and she and other students performed at local nursing homes annually. She taught Indian cooking in Kingsport Adult Education as well as Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church (HVUUC).

She was a co-founder of the Appalachian Dharma and Meditation Center. She was deeply interested in Western Buddhist and Tibetan practices.

After Sharmi and Raj moved to Loudoun County, Sharmi taught guided meditation in Waltonwood Independent Living community until March 2020.

Sharmi was an active member of HVUUC for 41 years. After moving to Virginia, she joined UU Congregation of Sterling, River Road and Cedar Lane UU Congregations in Bethesda MD. Because of her declining mobility, she watched worship services online.

She is survived by her husband Rajesh Mehta, sister Saroj Desai, nieces Dr. Manali and Seema Desai, and Raj's immediate family - sisters Shaila Mehta and Bindu Kalyani and her husband Dilip, and nieces and nephews of Raj and Sharmi.

Sharmi wanted us to remember her as a hardworking, simple and honest person who was faithful to her friends and family.

We give special thanks to Pankaj and Kinjal who stood by us through difficult moments in the last years, Ami who always went above and beyond to help wherever needed, and Farisa, Helena, and Sandra who gave Sharmi loving, compassionate and diligent care during the last year of her life. We deeply appreciate Sharmi's friend Gabrielle from Kingsport, TN, who visited Sharmi multiple times each year.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on April 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, MD. Service will be in-person and livestreamed. Details available on request.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local UU Church or to Summer Search (https://summersearch.org/)

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

Published by The Kingsport Times-News from Apr. 4 to Apr. 7, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Sharmi Mehta

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Nitesh Paliwal

May 4, 2025

Condolences to Raj Sir and family. May her soul rest in Peace

Single Memorial Tree

JoAnne and Steve Jersey

Planted Trees

Franklin Montenegro and Albertine de Wit

April 27, 2025

Dear Raj,
Albertine and I keep fresh many good memories of Sharmi both at the Appalachian Dharma and Meditation Center as well as at HVUUC. She has been an active participant of our local Sangha, and in our memory she remains with up. With the best wishes for you, as our days on Earth increase and our remaining time decrease...

Ann Bennett

April 24, 2025

Raj, I was scanning the Kingsport paper and saw this announcement about the passing of your beloved wife. Please accept our condolences in your loss. Ann and Kevin Bennett

Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees

Sue, Tim, Jay, Asha & Family

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Bhaskar Arumugam Family

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Sujal & Leera Rawal

Planted Trees

Kusum and Jadavji (Jadu) Kenia

April 19, 2025

Our friendship with Sharmiben and Rajesh goes a way back when they both were students at UT Knoxville in early seventies. We really had good times together living on campus and participating in Indian programs and social activities. She was always helpful. When time came for us to move to Dallas, Texas she shared a contact info of her very close friend who helped us in overcoming our anxiety. We became very good friends with them. Later we got to see Sharmiben and Rajesh a few times when they came to visit these friends. During such visits she would advice us about healthy eating, taking care of health and including laughter in our daily routine. She was a very intelligent person yet she lived a very simple life while helping others. We will miss her but will always cherish those good memories and good times we had with her. May her soul be at peace. Om Shanti!
Our heartfelt condolences to Rajesh and family.

Farisa Qureshi

April 18, 2025

I feel so honored that I was able to take care of this `one remarkable woman´ - Rest in eternal peace! I miss you aunty!

Sailesh Kapadia ME-68, H-5

April 18, 2025

Condolences to Raj and family. May her soul rest in Peace!

Harveena and Regu

April 18, 2025

We will miss Sharmi but she will live on in our memories. Gentle yet strong, very kind and soft spoken, loving and empathetic - that was our Sharmi. We will cherish special memories of time spent with her in Kingsport. I dint believe in good byes. We will meet again. Raj you have been a good husband and friend for Sharmi. God bless you and give you peace.

Jacqueline May

April 12, 2025

I wish I had known Sharmi longer than I had the chance to do so. She would have been a source of energy, compassion, and intellect.

Sujal Rawal

April 11, 2025

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti!
Leera, Sujal, Shaunak Rawal

Mukul Mehta

April 11, 2025

JAI Shri Ram. JAI Shri Krishna. JAI Jinendra. Blessings to all.
Sharmila´s memory will preserve.
OM OM OM
Mukul & Kiran Mehta.

Sue Johnson Dietz

April 11, 2025

Raj, my condolences to you and family on the loss of your beloved Sharmi. May her memory be a blessing. Sue Johnson Dietz (Eastman Kodak alum)

Andrea Burik

April 11, 2025

Dear Raj and family, I remember Sharmi as the kindest, softest most gentle person. She was always welcoming and cooked the most delicious Indian dishes ever eaten.
My sincere condolences,
Take Care and Best Regards,
Andrea Burik

Terry Dick

April 11, 2025

Sharmi´s Spirit of Life and Love will continue to shine through all who knew and loved her, especially you, dear Raj.

Marty & Natalie Olsen

April 11, 2025

What a life well-lived. We´re saddened by your loss.

Ted Thomas

April 10, 2025

Raj, your marriage with Sharmi was the epitome of what God intended it to be: love and commitment forever.

Ted Thomas

Mina Mehta

April 9, 2025

Rajesh and Sharmi were one of the very few Indian couples we had a chance to meet when we moved to JC in 1977. There were very few Indian immigrants in NE TN in those days. Sharmi was kind and always very helpful. She gave us many helpful hints about healthy food and how to reduce stress in life. I have a special respect for her. I offer my prayers. for eternal peace for her departed soul. jai Shri Krishna.

Baljit Singh

April 9, 2025

Sharmi was a person with a gentle manner, clarity of thought and an infectious smile. She had virtues which she applied to her mission of goodwill to all. Goodbye my dear friend, rest in peace.
Baljit

Sanjay Jeergall

April 9, 2025

Heartfelt condolences Raj. May almighty give you a strength during this difficult time.

Single Memorial Tree

Mark and Denise Lorenz

Planted Trees

Alex Machina

April 7, 2025

Glad to have known Sharmi. She is a beautiful and loving spirit.

Jayant Mehta

April 7, 2025

Our prayers and condolences
Sharmi was kind , caring person. We love her
Jayant and Mina

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Rekha and Prakash Nadkarni

Planted Trees

GS Gupta

April 6, 2025

Lalita and I had met Dr. Sharmi on several occasions when she visited Ahmedabad during 2003 through around 2021. We have sweet memories of our interactions with her, she was always polite, caring
and friendly. We pray the Almighty GOD to grant peace to the departed soul and courage to Rajubhai and Family to bear her loss. RIP
Lalita and GS Gupta

Denise Lorenz

April 5, 2025

I knew Sharmi to be a kind and gentle spirit to whom Raj was a loving and devoted husband.

Vanaja/ Perry/niti/ Neha Parthasarathy

April 5, 2025

Remember our dinner at your place many years ago fondly Raj! Niti and neha still remember you both!!
RIP Sharmi!!

Rajni and Shriram

April 5, 2025

Sharmi was a very disciplined and kind hearted lady who helped the underprivileged. We have many fond memories of her and for her reunification with the lord!

Rajni and Shriram

Dakshesh Nakrani

April 5, 2025

We had occasion to meet her in Ahmedabad at her home with my dear brother Rajubhai Mehta. We missed her. RIP Sharmi madam. Om Shanti

JoAnne Jersey

April 5, 2025

I had the occasion of meeting dear Sharmi only once before a Cedar Lane service. She had a lovely smile and gentle handshake. I met Raj first and we were in service with the Pastoral Visitor's team. Reading all of these memories and condolences makes me understand Raj's love and devotion in marriage with Sharmi. I feel a sense of loss not getting to know Sharmi. What an amazing woman! I hold Raj and the many loved ones in my heart. Rest easy in peace with the angels.
JoAnne Jersey

Natu Patel

April 5, 2025

Sharmi and Rajesh were the first Indian couple that we met when we moved to Kingsport TN in 1980. Sharmi quickly became our dear friend and mentor. She helped us make Kingsport our home for 40+ years. We missed her a lot when they moved to Loudon County, and now we will miss her for ever.
God bless.

Seema Chavan

April 5, 2025

Sharmi Mam seems like a really fascinating person. I was pleased to learn that we both enjoy belly dance. I regret not having the chance to meet her.May God grant her eternal rest

B. K. & Kalyani Gupta

April 5, 2025

Sharmi was a sweet kind loving person. I enjoyed talking with her. She had a mass wealth of knowledge she could share. She loved growing plants. She grew herbs on her deck and flowers in her screened porch. She will be missed by all her friends. We are the richer for having had her in our lives.

B. K. & Kalyani Gupta

April 5, 2025

Tehmi Jamaspian

April 5, 2025

Enjoyed and learned from Sharmi at the laughing Yoga and exercise class at Riverbend, LWVA. I will miss her. May she Rest In Peace. Amen !

Joy Boyd

April 5, 2025

I remember how Sharmi´s quiet voice always seemed to be one which garnered instant respect as she managed to bring reason into group conversations.
She was a most generous and gifted hostess too. One of my favorite memories is when she gave classes in the wonderful practice of laughter yoga. Sharmi was indeed an accomplished and multifaceted person. Her presence was a blessing.

Dawn Crowe

April 5, 2025

Raj and Sharmi welcomed me to their home for a wonderful meal and great conversation about all things India in preparation for my trip to India. I am forever grateful for your kind hospitality and pray for peace and comfort for everyone that loves Sharmi.

Charlotte Light

April 4, 2025

Raj, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear wife.

DENNIS C HOLMES

April 4, 2025

I had Dr. Mehta for economics at ETSU. She was a GREAT teacher!! She will be missed by all of us who had her classes.

Valecia Fillnow

April 4, 2025

Raj, I´m so sorry. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Bharti & Chandrakant Solanki

April 4, 2025

Sharmi was a very kind, intelligent lady, always simple, warm hearted, friendly, helpful and considerate. She was a good friend and it was always a pleasure to meet her at our social gatherings. She always did an excellent job planning gatherings like Super Bowl parties and Ladies Lunches. We always admired her with the way she took care of her health and she used to go to the gym regularly early in mornings. She used to balance her life well with work and activities. We also managed to visit her in Washington few years ago.

Ashok and Pragna mehta

April 3, 2025

We have known Sharmi mehta since 1986 in Kingsport. We had enjoyed her company. She was always happy and well wisher of everyone. She was soft spoken and loving person. We had enjoyed her company over last 38 yrs. Our prayers for mehta family.

Andy D Delwadia

April 3, 2025

Sharmi was very intelligent, yet simple, gentle and down to earth, always ready to help. She had special place in heart and dedication for less fortunate people.
Andy and Varsha Delwadia
Indian Land, SC

Radhika & Sandeep Mehta

April 3, 2025

Sharmikaki´s life was a well lived one. Accomplished in her achievements yet humble in her demeanour. She always had a serene grace about her, thanks to her spiritual influences and that´s how we will remember her. May her gentle soul forever rest in peace. Om Shanti ... Radhika and Sandeep Mehta

Helena Banura Abwoli

April 3, 2025

May her soul rest well with the angels

Helena Banura Abwoli

April 3, 2025

Sharmi was a sweet, selfless person who cared about others morethan herself. She treated me like family, at meal times she would not start eating before I sat at the table. I remember i would ask her are you fully fed up madam and we would laugh that was a joke that Mr Raj once told us.

Oh I would go on and on.

I miss you Mama, but I know you are in a better place. May your soul rest well with the angels

Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results

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Memorial Events
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Apr

27

Celebration of Life

3:00 p.m.

Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Bethesda, MD

Funeral services provided by:

Direct Cremation Services of Virginia - Chantilly

4425 Brookfield Corporate Drive Suite 100, Chantilly, VA 20151

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