Lola Tanner

Lola Jean Tanner, lovingly known to her family and friends as "Grammie," passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on November 10, 1942, in Cave City, Arkansas, Lola lived a life defined by unwavering love, quiet strength, and selfless devotion to those she cherished.

Our mother was one of the kindest women you could ever hope to know. She loved her family with all her heart and dedicated her life to caring for those she loved. A hardworking woman with a generous spirit, she found her greatest joy in spending time with family and friends. Whether gathered around the table playing cards, laughing through a board game, or enjoying a lively evening with her beloved Bunco group, she treasured every moment spent creating memories with those she loved.

Lola was a proud and longstanding member of the General Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she formed lasting friendships and faithfully lived out the values of service, compassion, and fellowship.

When she wasn't surrounded by family, you could almost always find her at the kitchen table, completely absorbed in one of what seemed like a million books. She had a lifelong love of reading, and a good story was never far from her reach.

Lola was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, Tom Tanner Sr., with whom she built a life centered on faith, family, and enduring love. Though they have been apart in this life, we find comfort in knowing they are together once again.

She leaves behind her loving children: Tom Tanner Jr. (Lisa Tanner), Becki Swain (Charles Swain), and Hurshel Tanner Sr. (Kirstin Tanner). She was the proud and devoted Grammie to 11 grandchildren and was blessed with 13 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.

Lola's legacy is one of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family. She taught us by example how to work hard, love deeply, and cherish the people around us. Her gentle heart, warm smile, and steadfast presence will be profoundly missed, but the memories she created and the love she shared will remain with us forever.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the many years we were blessed to call her our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. We take comfort in knowing that her love lives on in each of us and that her legacy will continue through the generations she cherished so dearly.

Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day-unseen, unheard, but always near.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home in Goose Creek. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM. The burial will be held at Plantation Memorial Gardens in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.