Lizzie Jane Tanner Obituary (1943 - 2014)

Lizzie Jane Tanner Seabrook, South Carolina - Lizzie Jane Tanner (Coker), 70 was born on January 5, 1943 in Cades, Williamsburg County, South Carolina. She was the second child of 6 of the late Middleton McClo Coker and the late Ida Welch. Lizzie, is survived by her husband of 53 years, Curtis Tanner and their four children; Curtis McClo Tanner (Conchetta), Gregory Jackson Tanner (Gritiya), Jane Lynette Tanner and Gene Garreth Tanner. Lizzie is also additionally survived by her brother William Coker (Patsy), sisters Maggie Lee Johnson (Bennie C.), Carolyn Coker and brother RJ Coker. Her grand children, Corey McClo Tanner, Chelsea Lynn Tanner, Justin Carl Smith, Autumn Lynette Smith, James Curtis Bazzle, DanaJane MingKhwan Tanner, Nicholas, Kira, Ryleigh and Zachary Flynn-Tanner, along with numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews who have all benefited from her wisdom and unquestionable love and support. She was adored by countless extended family relatives, friends and church members as well as coworkers and family friends. Lizzie was a graduate of Lake City High School class of 1960. She married on December 17, 1960. Moved to Beaufort, South Carolina in October 1961 and remained in the local area until her death at home only hours short of her 71st birthday in Seabrook, South Carolina. She worked at various occupations including being a staff member of the Beaufort Gazette for numerous years and traveled to Fairbanks, Alaska, Moscow, Russia visiting Red Square and Karaganda, Kazakhstan. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother and matriarch of her family and friend to all whom had a need to be heard, advocate for and care giver to those who could not defend themselves. Born in the middle of WWII, Lizzie grew up in and around the Lake City area of South Carolina, often choosing selfless sacrifice of personal aspirations in order to help others attain their own. By doing so she touched the lives of her husband and children and extended family and friends in such profound intangible ways. By living a simple, yet sublime life, offering guidance to anyone who sought out her unique wisdom. Lizzie provided a shining beacon to all, in order that they may find their way home and now towards heaven. She was a believer in peace and patience expressed through tolerance. Devout member of her church and expressed her beliefs through her daily life and compassion for others. Lizzie, an avid reader was also known as an exceptional "Scrabble" wordsmith to many whom often found themselves just one letter tile short of multiple word scores. The viewing, memorial service and reception will be held at the Grays Hill Baptist Church, 2749 Trask Parkway Beaufort, South Carolina 29906. The viewing will start at 2:00 PM with memorial service beginning at 4:00 PM and reception, starting approximately 5:00 PM; Tuesday, January 7, 2014. A small inurnment service will be held at the gravesite the following day, Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 10:00 AM at Beaufort Memorial Gardens at One Copeland Drive, Beaufort, South Carolina.