Myra Lillian Van Lear

Myra Lillian Van Lear,84, of Christiansburg, VA, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 13, 2025. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arby and Gertrude Harris of Indian Valley, VA, her husband Edward Van Lear I, and her son Edward Van Lear II of Christiansburg, VA.; brother, Glen Harris.

Survivors include her son, Mark Van Lear of Pembrook, VA, and her daughter, Amanda Leddy (Harvey) of Roanoke, VA. Her grandchildren are Rebecca Duncan (Dominique), Tanner Van Lear, Rachel Leddy, Stephen Leddy, and Jaxson Leddy. Great grandchildren are Aria and Ava Duncan. She is survived by her brother, Alvin Harris (Joyce) of Richmond, VA, and her sister, Nancy Ballengee (Chuck) of Christiansburg, VA. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, Jason Harris (Ceilia), Justin Harris (Amy), Jonathan Cromer (Anita), Amy Harris (John), Nicole Thompson (Greg), Eric Harris, and Matthew Phillips (Amy) along with numerous great nieces and nephews and sister-in-law, Bonnie Harris.

Lillian was a teacher for over 30 years. She began her teaching career in Clifton Forge, VA, where she taught elementary school before finding her passion for teaching high school government, social studies/ geography. Lillian spent many years of her career teaching 9th-grade geography at Blacksburg High School. Lillian was a member of the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church for the last 45 years and a devoted member in her sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, where she had made lifelong friends and could devote her time to serving her community with her time and talents. Lillian was a natural-born crafter with knitting, croqueting, cross-stitching, quilting, and sewing skills. Her talents will be missed by all those who knew her well. She had a love for birdwatching and saw God’s beauty in nature. She also fiercely loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Horne Funeral Home, with Pastor Tim Harvey officiating. Internment will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 17, at Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice of 4751 Cove Rd, Roanoke, VA. 24017, https://www.goodsam.care.