Earnestine (Jackson) Tanner

The Life of Mother Earnestine Tanner

Beloved matriarch, Earnestine Tanner, affectionately known as Mrs. Tanner, was called home to be with the Lord, departing this earthly realm peacefully of natural causes. Born on the 7th day of January in the year of our Lord 1933, in the tranquil town of Bonifay, Florida, she was the cherished daughter of the late Willie Jackson Sr., and Maudie (Dubois) Jackson.

Mrs. Tanner was educated within the nurturing walls of the Florida Community Schools, where she was instilled with a strong sense of community, a deep love for learning.

In the springtime of her youth, on March 15, 1952, she was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, William Tanner. The two lovebirds then, took flight, and relocated to Michigan City, where they built a life filled with love and laughter.

Blessed with the heart of a lioness, Mrs. Tanner stood as the pillar of her family. She was a devoted housewife, and to keep her hands busy, she took up work at McDonald's, where she was known for her meticulous salad prepping skills. Her work ethic and dedication were a testament to her character and a shining example to those around her.

A woman of deep faith, Mrs. Tanner was an active member of the Life Temple Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Robert Fleming. Serving dutifully on the mother's board, her deep commitment to her faith was evident in every facet of her life.

Mrs. Tanner found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was a lover of crossword puzzles, an avid bowler, and was often found in front of the television, engrossed in spiritual shows, westerns, and the family feud game show. Her laughter was infectious, her spirit was kind, her demeanor gentle, and her heart full of love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Tanner; their son, Michael James Tanner; her parents, Willie and Maudie Jackson; brothers, Robert Lee “Top Cat” Jackson Sr., and Willie Jackson; and sisters, Margaret Brown, and Vidia Pearl Brown; sister-in-law, Pari Lee Jackson.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Jerome Allan Tanner, Lawrence (Doris) Tanner, and Gail M. Perry; her bonus daughter, Angie Tanner; her brothers, Leonard Jackson, Alvin Jackson, Donald (Marilyn) Jackson, and Melvin (Bobbie) Jackson; her sister, Frances Collins; and grandchildren, Amy (Tom) Pahs, Lawrence Tanner Jr., Michelle (Justin Robinson) Tanner, Neasha (Marco) Austin, Jevon (LaQuisha) Tanner, Katrina (Kenneth) Strong and Angela Johnson; one bonus granddaughter,  Dannon (William) Walker and a of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her memory will also be held dear by her special friend, Lee Ethel Ellis, and her special daughters, Charlesetta Gipson, Kathy Lampton, Donna Stevens, Darlene Taylor, and Ruth White. Each of these ladies was blessed to have known Mrs. Tanner, to have been touched by her kindness, and to have been warmed by her radiant spirit.

In the words of the Good Book, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Mrs. Tanner lived a life of service, of love, and of faith. Her legacy shall live on in the hearts of those she touched, in the stories shared around dining room tables, and in the love, she poured into her family. And so, as we bid farewell to our beloved Mrs. Tanner, we do so with the knowledge that she now rests in the arms of the Lord, free from the burdens of this earthly life. May her soul rest in everlasting peace and joy.

Her Celebration of Life will be 11am, Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Life Temple Church of God in Christ with her Pastor Robert Fleming to give the eulogy. Viewing will be 10am, November 21, 2023 at Life Temple Church of God in Christ. Burial will follow immediately after the services at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earnestine (Jackson) Tanner, please visit our floral store.