Marilyn Sue Lanham went home to be with the Lord on May 30, 2024, after a spirited fight with Dementia.

She was born in South Charleston, WV, on January 27, 1939, to the late Frankie and Malana Chandler. Being the only girl and surrounded by her three brothers, Blair Chandler, Jerry Chandler, and David Chandler, she grew up with much sibling love and protection.

Her father and mother died at an early age, and subsequently, Marilyn was raised by her Aunt Mae and Uncle Paul. They helped shape her attitude of a “strong will,” taught her to “give back” in life, and laid the roots of her biggest asset, the importance of family. These traits learned early on manifested themselves throughout Marilyn’s life.

Marilyn graduated from South Charleston High School, where she was a cheerleader and participated in other activities in school.

Her children, Terri Dent, Carolyn Dent, and David Dent Jr., learned the importance of Marilyn’s strong belief in family. She was active in their scholastic, extracurricular, and other various school activities, and she continued her growth as a family leader.

Marilyn and her husband, David Lanham, continued the family strength, and with her leadership, combined with the blessing of time, blending two families of five children together, with the addition of William Lanham II and James Lanham.

Marilyn was devoted to a love of travel as she and David traveled extensively. She also enjoyed her increased beach time! However, none of those activities decreased her pursuit of family time.

In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her three brothers, Blair Chandler, Jerry Chandler, and David Chandler.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, David Lanham; her five children: Terri Dent, Carolyn Thier (Jon), David Dent, Jr., William Lanham II (Annita), and James Lanham (Susan); brothers-in-law, Curtis Lanham and Paul Lanham; sister-in-law, Carol Hilliard (Ron); grandchildren: Thomas Poore, Todd Poore, Jessica Burgess, Jennifer Burgess, Melissa Ford, Hannah Guthrie, Andrea Dent, David Dent, III, Nathan Lanham, Nicholas Lanham, William Lanham III, Michael Lanham, and Kayleann Dent; 19 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the HospiceCare staff for their excellent care, especially Jo, Shelby, and Elizabeth. Also, a special thanks to all of Marilyn’s family who helped make it possible for her to remain in her home for her final days, especially her daughter and primary care giver, Carolyn Thier.

A Service to Honor the Life of Marilyn will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the Elizabeth Memorial United Methodist Church, 108 Oakwood Road, Charleston, WV, 25314, with Rev. Jonathan Dierdorff and Rev. Frank Shomo officiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans, WV. Family and friends may visit from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.

Memories of Marilyn may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.