Venable, Margaret Browder

Taught Biology At Chattanooga State For 28 Years

  • Friday, May 10, 2019
Margaret Venable
Margaret Venable

Margaret Browder Venable, 67, born Margaret Lee Browder, of Chattanooga, died on Thursday, May 9, 2019.

She was the daughter of Daniel and Maggie Browder, of Adamsville Tn., and the wife of the late Samuel B. Venable, of Chattanooga.

Margaret graduated valedictorian of her class from Adamsville High School in 1971. She earned a B.S. in Biology from Lambuth College, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. She completed a M.S. in Zoology at Auburn University in 1976. She subsequently taught biology at Troy State University, Emory University, and Chattanooga State Community College, where she was on faculty for 28 years. She received the Ingall’s Award at Troy State University in 1978 and the Excellence Teaching Award from Chattanooga State Community College in 1986.  She was a member of the National Association of Biology Teachers. 

A longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Margaret was involved in the children’s and outreach ministries. She was instrumental in launching the Fellowship Hall Service at First Presbyterian, and was involved in outreach to college students there.  Her other interests were reading and traveling.

She is survived by her sister, Danna Browder Brown, her son, Nicholas Browder Venable (Chenxin), and her daughter, Margaret Davies Venable. She loved them selflessly and was a constant source of nurture and support in their lives. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Mary Ruth Davies Venable, sister-in-law, Ruth Venable Ingram, brothers-in-law, Robert (Bob) Venable, Jr. and Dan Venable (Lisa) as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was cherished by her many friends and colleagues.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday May 14, 2019 at noon with Rev. Chris Bowen officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to: Hope for the Inner City, 1800 Roanoke Ave, PO Box 11584, Chattanooga, TN 37406 (423-698-3178) or the Orchard Knob Outreach at First Presbyterian, 554 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, Tn., 37402.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-noon at the church.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road. 

Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com  to share words of comfort to the family.

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