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Mary Harrell Tanner

1926 - 2015

Mary Harrell Tanner obituary, 1926-2015, Newport News, VA

BORN

1926

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Peninsula Memorial Park

12750 Warwick Blvd

Newport News, Virginia

Mary Tanner Obituary

NEWPORT NEWS, VA - Mary Harrell Tanner of Newport News, died peacefully on June 27, 2015 at her home. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and a friend to everyone she encountered. All who knew her loved her, and were blessed to have been touched by her beauty, kindness, grace and dignity. She was born on May 26, 1926 in Martin County, North Carolina, the daughter of Benjamin Louis Harrell and Annie Brown Harrell and wife of Allen Clarence Tanner and sister of Melvin Odell Harrell, all who predeceased her. She grew up in Oak City, North Carolina attending Oak City High School and moved to Newport News in 1944 where she has spent the last 71 years. She had a full life centered around her family, her friends, her church and numerous social activities including her Women's Investment Group, Happy Hearts, Birthday Girls, Junior League, Red Hatters, WGA at the James River Country Club, SACO and many bridge groups. She is survived by her three children, Allen Clarence Tanner, Jr and his wife Debbie, Benjamin Harrell Tanner and his wife Mary Jane, and her daughter Mary Elizabeth "Beth" Tanner Burrus, all of Newport News. She is also survived by her six grandchildren who adored their beloved "Grandmom:" Courtney Patricia Tanner, Allen Clarence "Trip" Tanner III, Elizabeth "Libby" Preston Burrus, Peter Michael Burrus, Jr., Benjamin Cullen Tanner and his wife Alissa, and Michael Harrell Tanner. She is also survived by her brother, Spencer Harrell and his wife Pat, Ray Harrell and his wife Kitty, her sister Dorothy Weathersby and her sister-in-law, Faye Harrell in addition to her many devoted cousins, nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held at the James River Country Club in Newport News on Tuesday, June 30th, 2015 from 5:30pm to 7pm. The Funeral service is planned for Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at 3 pm at the Hilton Baptist Church, officiated by Lynwood Wells with burial to follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hilton Baptist Church, 101 Main St., Newport News, Va 23601, or to the Golf Museum at 1500 Country Club Road, Newport News, Va 23606.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on Jun. 28, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Tanner

Sponsored by Peninsula Memorial Park.

Not sure what to say?





Janet Lockstampfor

July 3, 2015

Dear Tanner Family &Friends,
You are in my prayers and thoughts. May God give you peace in your time of loss. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 God bless each of you. Grace & Peace,
Mrs. Lockstampfor and Janet

July 2, 2015

I cherish the many good memories of our time
together at Hilton Baptist Church. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Irene McLain Myers

July 2, 2015

We are saddened to know that our dear beloved neighbor has passed away but what a life she had! She always told us of her many travels with her friends and family. She was a wonderful neighbor and kind in every way. We will greatly miss her!
The Bradfield Family

July 1, 2015

We were so fond of Mary and of Allen. She was just a delightful person. We talked many times of her affection for William and Mary (which we shared). Mary will be missed by many. Shirley and Aubrey Fitzgerald

Lori Wright Nice

July 1, 2015

Allen and Debbie - Prayers and heartfelt condolences to you and your family for such a tremendous loss!

July 1, 2015

Mary was such a lovely person and will be missed by many. My condolences to the family.
Pat Avis

Robin Ayers-Austin

June 30, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the Harrell and Tanner families. I am so sorry for your loss.

Eddie and Mary Jane Ledford

June 30, 2015

Allen, Debbie and Family, we are so very sorry for the loss of your precious mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.

John Clark

June 29, 2015

A huge loss.

J B Lonergan

June 29, 2015

Allen , Beth and Ben ,

Please accept my sincere condolences .

J B

Mark & Michele Riva

June 29, 2015

Allen, Beth and Ben... You are all in my thoughts and prayers.... If there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask....

Sylvia Saunders

June 28, 2015

Condolences to the Tanner family. I am sure there are many memories to cherish.

Dell Shankles

June 28, 2015

Allen and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

June 28, 2015

Dear Allen, Benjamin, and Beth--I am so sorry of your mother's passing on, but so happy for the long life that she lived. As we all grew up in Riverside, she and your dad were like a second set of parents to me. I have many fond memories of those elementary and high school years and your mother will be missed by me and many others, in addition to you and your family. I wish the best to you all and your extended family as we move forward with our lives.
With sympathy from your friend, Kempton

Peggy Wilson

June 28, 2015

Mary will certainly be missed as a member of the Southern Hatters, Red Hat Club. She was truly graceful and fun to be around as well. I am sending up healing prayers to her family and friends and she will be missed.

Jeanne Burrus

June 28, 2015

Dear Beth, Libby, Peter Jr and family,

Your Mother/Grandmother was simply a joy to be around. During hectic holidays and events she was always the calm in the storm. Mrs. Tanner was not only graceful and kind but incredibly talented....whether it was making beautiful wreaths out of magnolia leaves or creating the prettiest bridesmaid dresses she did everything with ease. A remarkable woman who will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.

Richey Cooper

June 28, 2015

Mary was so precious. My thoughts to the family for your loss.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
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Memorial Events
for Mary Tanner

Jun

30

Visitation

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

James River Country Club

Newport News, VA

Jul

1

Funeral service

3:00 p.m.

Hilton Baptist Church

VA

Jul

1

Burial

Peninsula Memorial Park

VA

Funeral services provided by:

Peninsula Memorial Park

12750 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606

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