of Little Rock, AR
August 12, 1923 - January 5, 2017
Billie Blaylock Tanner, 93, passed away on January 5th, 2017. She was born August 12, 1923 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Reverend Arden P. Blaylock and Irene Mitchell Blaylock Queen. She graduated with honors from Little Rock High School in 1941, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ouachita Baptist University in 1944 with a BS in Chemistry. From 1944-1945, she was employed in the lab at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She married James W. Tanner in 1945. They were married 49 years. After teaching school for two years, she became the office manager for James W. Tanner Insurance until his death in 1995.
She was a lifelong member of Little Rock's First Baptist Church, teaching Bible classes and Sunday School, English as a second language, Vacation Bible School, Grief Share, and mentoring countless men and women over the years. She was also involved in teaching and mentoring women in Russia, making several visits to that country. She had a lifelong love of music, playing both the organ and piano. She enjoyed entertaining, bridge, crossword puzzles, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Billie has been described as ''the kind of friend everyone would want to have.''
Billie was preceded in death by her husband, James Tanner. She is survived by her son, Dr. Jim Tanner of Tampa, Florida, her daughter, Dr. Vicki Tanner, and her ''other daughter'' Gaye Richardson of Little Rock; sister, Dr. Betty Hollingsworth of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; brother, Dr. Joe Blaylock, of Honolulu, Hawaii; and step-sister, Virginia Queen, of Little Rock; Granddaughters, Rebecca Rider (Josh) of Dallas, Texas, Laura Howden (Dave) of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, and Anna Sewell of Fayetteville; Grandsons, James Blaylock Tanner (Amy) of Winter Garden, Florida, and Gabe Sewell (Kalee) of Little Rock; and seven great-grandchildren.
Burial will be Monday, January 9, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Roselawn Memorial Park, followed by a Memorial service at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive. Services provided by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church. A very special thanks goes to the caring staff at Briarwood Nursing Rehab and Center.
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5 Condolence(s)
Teresa DeVorak
Monday, January 9, 2017
A great mentor and a great friend. I was sorry to learn of her memorial service only today, or I would certainly have traveled to Little Rock to pay my respect to the lovely, gracious lady she was.
Janice Stanford
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Billie was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie Bain Redmon
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Dear Jimmy and Vickie, I am so sorry for your loss. Billie was such a sweet, dear friend to my Mom. Of course, I have known her as long as I can remember! She taught my husband, Dennis, and me in the Singles Class at FBC. She was such an excellent teacher, yet so humble. In fact, my husband and I got married in her home off of Napa Valley some 38+ years ago. We were able to see her two or three months ago at Briarwood. She remembered us immediately which thrilled our hearts. She was such a special lady and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Praying for you all during this time. With Love, Debbie
Phyllis A Cate Nunnally
Friday, January 6, 2017
Jimmy and Vicki - So sorry for your loss. James and Billie were very close to my father and mother (Jim and Doris McKinney). They hosted my parents wedding reception at your old house by Hall High School. The last year we had my mother living with us, Billie came over to visit whenever she was able. She had a HUGE heart and will be missed by many!
Kerri Peden
Friday, January 6, 2017
How very blessed I was to share a friendship and the confidence we, as forever family, have in the Lord. My heartfelt condolences to the family she loved and the friends she cherished.