Mary O. Tanner

Mary Ocie Tanner was born November 25, 1929 to the late Mary Ocie Smallwood and LeRoy Jackson in Key West, Florida. She was the fifth sibling of five children born to this union. She attended Douglas High School and Florida Keys Junior College in Key West, Florida. She faithfully attended Key West Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Mary, lovingly known as “Mama Tanner” graciously volunteered for over seventeen years as a Senior Companion providing hours of companionship and minor assistance to over seventeen elderly and disabled adults well over the age of 60. Mama Tanner was a past member of the Advisory Council and has done numerous speaking engagements to spread the word about Senior Companionship.

In 2021, Mama Tanner received from President Biden, the President’s Call to Service Award from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation in recognition and appreciation of her commitment to strengthening and for making a difference through volunteer service.

Mama Tanner joined Ephesus under the leadership of Pastor Clarence Williams, III. Mama Tanner was a devoted and active woman of God who impacted so many people lives. She faithfully served in numerous roles over the decades. Her dedication was evident in her work as an active member of Christian Senior Service-Senior Companion, supported the United Way, and Ephesus Soup Kitchen.

Mama Tanner blessed the church with making of the Ten Commandments for the grand opening of the new building November 2008.

Over the years, Mama Tanner has blessed many, many, many individuals and families with her famous pot-holders and afghans made with much love and tedious hand-work.

Mama Tanner was blessed with three children, late Calvin Jackson, Johnny Williams and Loretta Taylor and numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.