Emory, VA – Dr. Margaret Merryman Lanham, age 98, passed on Monday, June 2, 2014, at the home of her niece. Margaret was an English professor for many years at Averett University and moved from Danville, VA to Emory, VA in 2008 to live with her sister. She was a member of Emory United Methodist Church and was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Tucker Lanham and Edith Campbell Crane Lanham, and her sister, Louisa L. Spell. She is survived by her niece, Edie Bobko of Emory, VA; two nephews, Rick Spell of Morristown, TN and David M. Spell of Bristol, VA; one great niece, eight great nephews, and one great-great nephew; and cousin, Wendell H. Tiller, of Spartanburg, SC. A memorial service will be conducted by Townes Funeral Home in Danville, VA at a later date. The family would like to thank Dr. Lanham’s caregivers, Sandy Meadows, Laura Terry, Lucy Terry, Kathy Mason, and the staff of Hospice of Southwest Virginia, for the care they gave to Dr. Lanham. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register or by visiting www.townesfuneralhome.com. This is a courtesy announcement of Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.