LaMerle Strange Mikell, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed peacefully from this life surrounded by her family. She was born in Albertville, Alabama, on April 18, 1936, to Grady and Lillian Strange, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by her devoted husband Don Mikell; her sister Sharon Goetz Jones; her children Don Joe Mikell II (Vinchenza) and Suzette Mikell Williams; and her cherished grandchildren Kilee Mikell, Lillian Mikell, Winton Williams, and Walker Williams—each of whom she loved dearly and took immense joy in watching grow.
LaMerle was a proud graduate of Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) and a lifelong Auburn football fan. Her eye for beauty, coupled with a heart for people, led her to a career that was as creative as it was compassionate. She had a gift for helping others make their homes feel warm and welcoming, and she poured that same care into everyone she met.
In 1965, LaMerle founded LaMerle’s Interiors, a residential and commercial design firm that served clients across the country. The following year, she began and taught the Interior Design Program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)—one of the first programs of its kind in North Alabama. She continued teaching and mentoring students for many years, always encouraging them to see design not only as structure and color, but as a reflection of heart and hospitality.
Over her 50-year career, LaMerle’s work touched countless lives and spaces—from private homes and heritage landmarks to churches and medical offices. Her designs were featured in Southern Living and other publications, but her greatest pride came not from the recognition, but from the joy she brought to those she served. She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, valued, and at home—whether through her work, her words, or simply her presence.
A woman of deep faith, LaMerle was a member of Valley United Methodist Church since 1969, where she served on the Board of Trustees and freely gave her time and talents to beautify sanctuaries, parsonages, and fellowship halls across the community. She believed that serving others was both a calling and a blessing, and she lived that belief daily.
LaMerle will be remembered for her elegance, generosity, and kind spirit, her creative eye, and her unwavering love for family and friends. She saw beauty everywhere—in fabrics and flowers, in laughter and faith, and in the people she loved so well.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to: Cure Alzheimer’s Fund https://curealz.org/giving/
A graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery at 11:00am on Thursday, Oct 30, 2025.
