Joan Catherine Merrill

Joan Catherine McClanahan Merrill, 89, of Lynchburg, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Lynchburg General Hospital.

Born on August 28, 1935, in Warrenton, she was the daughter of the late Chester Allen McClanahan, Sr. and F. Catherine McClanahan. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, W. Leon Merrill and a brother, C. Allen McClanahan.

Joan was very creative and enjoyed spending time painting. She loved spending time outdoors tending and caring for her flowers. She also loved feeding the birds and enjoyed reading a good book.

She is survived by her son, Michael Merrill (Jean); three daughters, Sonya Ganjon, Jennifer Trent (Ronald) and Melanie Millner (Joseph); sister, Susan Welk; brother, Henry McClanahan; bonus sister, Nancy Whitlock; eleven grandchildren: Katie, Jason, Jessica, Gregory, Tiffany, Catherine, Travis, Christina, Sarah, Abigail and Cullen; and 29 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Joan’s name are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.