Jennifer “Jenni” Muriel Harrison Tanner - Jenni was ushered into her Heavenly home on October 25, 2023, right at sunset at her home in Tanner Williams, Alabama, lovingly surrounded by her five children. Jenni was the second born and only surviving child of James Talmadge Harrison and Mary Edith Goff Harrison on February 6, 1948. Jenny was preceded in death by her sister Merry Sharon Harrison, her parents, her maternal grandmother Winnie Olga Stonecypher Goff, her maternal granddaddy James Otis Goff Sr., her paternal grandfather William Harrison, her paternal grandmother Zettie Zula Megginson Harrison, and her beloved husband of over 50 years Lanier Owen “Shot” Tanner.
Jenni is survived by all five of her children: L. Owen Tanner (Norma Jean), Virginia “Gina” Tanner Phillips (Ed), Christina Tanner Rives (Chip), Samantha Tanner Creel (Mike), and Matthew James Tanner (Sarah). She was the very proud Grandma of nine grandchildren; Amanda Marie Phillips, Georgia Brooke Rives, Taylor Owen Tanner, Lillian Grace Rives, Gracie Ann Tanner, Luke Parker Creel, Ty Harrison Creel, Jessy Ann Creel, and Charli Kate Creel. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, dear friends, and other family members that were precious to her.
Jenni lived her life for her family. She has always been a loyal Wife, Mother, Grandma and loved having everyone together just to share a meal. In her younger years she was almost always found helping Shot with all the responsibilities of the dairy, outside tending to her massive rose garden, or watching kids swim in the pool. Jenni had a servant’s heart and a great love for the Mission of Hope where she served multiple times as the Ladies Auxiliary President. Jenni was always serving in her community, church, and family; however, her greatest joy in this life was watching her children and grandchildren succeed. After she retired from Mobile County Public School System where she served the students of Mobile as a bus driver for 20 years, she enjoyed traveling with Shot and visiting their Amish friends. With all her blessings, the one blessing she cherished more than any other was her relationship with her Lord and Savior. Her walk with the Lord was full of trials and tribulations, but she never failed to have a song of praise on her lips and a prayer in her heart. There is no greater comfort than knowing she is with her Heavenly Father and all those that have passed before her.
Jennifer will be laid to rest next to the love of her life at Trinity Cemetery in Tanner Williams, Alabama after services held at Wilmer Baptist Church with Bro. Terry Glasscock presiding. Pallbearers are Mike Creel, Luke Creel, Ty Creel, Jon Mizell, Mac Mizell, Jacob Abston, Chip Rives, And Taylor Tanner. Honorary Pall Bearers are Ed Phillips, Frankie Pierce, Bill Cullum, Larry “Hoss” Fincher, Billy Tanner, and Bill Cullum.
Services will be held at Wilmer Baptist Church on Sunday October 29, 2023 at 3:00. Family will begin receiving visitors one hour prior to services at 2pm.
All those that know and love Mama could fill this page with beautiful memories – but those we cherish the most are the times spent with her just enjoying a beautiful Tanner Williams sunset, sitting next to her in church, or belting out Christmas Carols at our annual Christmas Party. Music never failed to lift Mama’s spirit and bring comfort to her soul. She will be missed and loved always. Our hearts are broken – but our souls rejoice that Mama is finally with Daddy and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For this is the day she longed for. Psalms 116
