Nina Ayres Lanham, matriarch, antique dealer

Nina Ayres Lanham of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of Easton, Md., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 4, 1932, to John Ayres and Laura Moore. She attended Millsboro High School in Millsboro and University of Maryland.

Nina grew up in Sussex County and always considered it home. During the summers you could find her working for Eddie Saff at his linen store on Rehoboth Avenue. In 1969, she founded Nina Ayres Lanham Antiques and operated several stores in Rehoboth. She remained active in the business throughout her life. Nina fulfilled a lifelong dream of restoring a historic building, The Old Inn in St. Michaels, Md. The building was then accepted on the National Register of Historic Places.

She was predeceased by her husband, James Ottoway Lanham.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Lanham Hall of Easton, Md.; her son, Scott Ayres Lanham and his wife Sherri of Rehoboth Beach; her beloved grandchildren, April Chaffee (Preston), Scott Lanham, Clay Lanham and Reed Lanham; and her dearest great-grandchildren, Addison and Juliette Chaffee.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.