Mary Lou Tanner, age 91, passed away May 20, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center after a short illness. She was born May 9, 1935, in Waycross, GA to the late Ernest and Ruby Smith. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Jack Tanner; her brothers, Doyle and William Smith; sisters, Berline Holcomb and Karen Smith.

She grew up in Wilsonville, Georgia, in Coffee County, and graduated from Nicholls High School in 1953. After high school, she married Billy Jack Tanner, and they shared 54 years of marriage together. She spent most of her life in Bacon County and was a devoted member of Campground Methodist Church.

She is survived by her sons, Barry and Billy (Jamie) Tanner; daughters, Peggy Watley (Carl), Polly Livingston (Gerald), and Pam Miles (John); six grandchildren, Joe Todd Miles, Joanie Swanson, Brock Tanner, Amber Carver, Lexi Brown, and Ashley Tanner; eleven great-grandchildren; and brothers, Denny Smith (Barbara) and Ronnie Smith (Doris).

A graveside service will be held Saturday May 23, 2026, at Campground Methodist Church Cemetery at 10 AM with Rev. Colby Brown officiating.