Lillian Legg Obituary

Lillian Samantha Bishop Legg

September 12, 1924 -

October 8, 2025

BIG STONE GAP, VA - Lillian Samantha Bishop Legg, 101, of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.

Born on September 12, 1924 in Clinchport, Virginia, Lillian was the fourth daughter in what would become a family of six girls and two boys. Raised on a family farm, her birth was a memorable event: delivered at home with the assistance of a midwife while her father was out working the fields. He returned for lunch to find her mother in bed and was surprised to discover his newborn daughter, whom they named Lillian Samantha Bishop.

At the age of 16, Lillian married Morgan Legg, and together they built a life filled with love and family. They welcomed five children: Jerry, Verden, Morgan Jr., Lesia, and Myra. Lillian and Morgan established Legg Ford Sales and they actively served the community for many years until his passing on May 13, 1982.

Lillian's family grew extensively over the decades, and she took great joy in her descendants. She was the mother of her five children, Granny to 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren. Family and friends from across the country – including Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Kansas, Nevada, Texas, California, Ohio, Idaho, and Missouri- gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday just a year prior, a testament to the strong bonds she fostered.

A woman of deep faith, Lillian often expressed gratitude for her blessings and encouraged others to join in prayer. In her own words from her centennial celebration, she reflected on a life of family, hard work, and devotion; "The Lord has blessed me all these years and I must thank Him most of all for His goodness."

Lillian is proceeded in death by her mother and father, James Conley Bishop and Elva Jane Reed Bishop; her husband, Morgan Walker Legg; five sisters, Edith Vaughan, Otelia Still, Loretta Galotta, Lila Fritz, Janette Kappleman; and one brother, James C. Bishop, Jr. Also proceeded in death are two sons, Jerry Delmar Legg and Roy Verden Legg.

Lillian is survived by her son, Morgan Walker Legg, Jr. (Sondra), Lesia Legg Estep (Eugene) and Myra Legg Puleo (Philip) along with many other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 11:00am-1:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap on Monday, October 13, 2025. The funeral will begin at 1:00pm with Pastor Travis Jenkins ministering.

Entombment will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Mausoleum, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. Grandsons and great grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice in support of family and community causes. Lillian's legacy of love, resilience, and faith will endure through the generations she cherished.

Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Lillian Legg.

To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.