Dora Dean Tanner

Dora Dean Veal Tanner, 94, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on February 18, 2026, at her home in Wrightsville, Georgia.

She was born August 12, 1931, in the Buckeye community of Wrightsville to Mae Jessie Colson Veal and Cleon Adam Veal. The third of seven children, Dora Dean grew up on a working farm where she thrived outdoors — milking cows, tending gardens, gathering eggs, and even competing with her brothers in jumping fences. Those early years shaped her strong work ethic and joyful spirit as she faithfully shared in the daily chores of farm life during the 1930s and 1940s.

She grew up in the Bay Springs Methodist Church in Oconee, Georgia, where she enjoyed participating in Methodist singing schools. Her love for Jesus, her family, and music remained constant throughout her life.

Dora Dean graduated from Wrightsville High School in 1948 and, one week later, married James Russell Tanner, who had recently returned home from World War II. Together they built a life on Tanner Hill in Wrightsville, working faithfully in their family dairy and farming business. They were blessed with five children.

Her devotion to her family was unparalleled. She modeled godly principles, unconditional love, and a life of service. For 65 years, Dora Dean faithfully played the piano at Union Hill Baptist Church, continuing until the age of 92. Over the years, she was part owner of Tanner’s Department Store and later served as Director of Food Services at Wrightsville Elementary School.

She cherished her role as Nana to 16 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren, where she delighted in baking tea cakes, skipping rocks across the pond, and exploring the woods with them. She was known for her sewing, quilting, cooking, and remarkable problem-solving abilities — which her family fondly described as “engineering skills.” Her heart overflowed with the joy of the Lord, and the fruit of the Spirit was evident in her daily walk. Her legacy of faith and love will continue for generations.

She is survived by her five children: Jeanie Maria Tanner Revell (Dr. Walter Revell, Jr.) of Rock Hill, South Carolina; James Rocky Tanner (Teresa Simmons) of Wrightsville; David Russell Tanner (JJ Blackburn Rowland, dear friend) of Wrightsville; Cleon Edward Tanner (Kim Price) of Wrightsville; and Deana Krystal Tanner Bibb (Kenneth Allen Bibb) of Sandersville, Georgia.

Survivors also include 16 grandchildren: Dr. Letty Jean Revell Peterson (Tom Peterson IV) of Vidalia, GA; Maria Tanner Revell Tull (Trey Tull) of Corinth, MS; James Rocky Tanner, Jr. (Amy Moye) of Harrison, GA; Justin Matthew Tanner (Hillary Smith) of Bishop, GA; Ashley Amber Tanner Gheesling (Chuck Gheesling) of Wrightsville; Jonah Jeremiah Simmons (Tiffany Gillis) of Wrightsville; Toby Gene Tanner (Krystal Powell) of Wrightsville; David Shane Tanner (Barbara Scarborough, dear friend) of Statesboro, GA; Christopher Brent Tanner (Kandi Durden) of Dublin, GA; Jake Duran Tanner (Eva Brown) of Wrightsville; Alivia Lyn Tanner of Wrightsville; Russell Thurston Tanner (Shelley Stuckey) of Bishop; Kimberly Tess Tanner Puzio (Scott Puzio) of Locust Grove, GA; Callie McGuire Bibb Clark (Ben Clark) of North Augusta, SC, McFerrin Dean Bibb and Kessler Ann Bibb of Sandersville, GA.

Great Grand Children (29) are: Jean Houston Peterson, Thomas Alexander Peterson V, Stella Redgrave Peterson, John Calhoun Peterson, Lillian Elizabeth Tull, Claire Revell Tull, James Rocky Tanner III (Tripp), Ashley Elizabeth Tanner, Colson Matthew Tanner, Justin Baker Tanner, Tanner Copeland Gheesling, Izabella Jean Simmons, Cloey Jo Simmons, Willa June Simmons, Declan Walter Simmons, Knox Simmons Tanner, Piper Dailey Tanner, Sidney Hope Tanner, Bryson David Tanner, Jericho Brett Tanner, Mae Jessie Tanner, Carleigh Deborah Tanner, Russell Edward Tanner, Maddox Joseph Tanner, Elijah Major Tanner, Adam Andrew Jones, McKenzie Garrett Jones, Levi Walker Moon and Lucas William Clark.

She is also survived by her sister, Sarah Brinnette Veal Caneega; sisters-in-law, Velma Jones Veal and Pearl Franklin Tanner; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 44 years, James Russell Tanner; her siblings, Nellie Pauline Veal Tanner, Roger Wilmer Veal, Hazel Jane Veal Hardin, Burley Washington Veal II, and Sally Kay Veal Snell; and two grandchildren, Angela Danielle Tanner and John Walter Revell.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the home caregivers and Georgia Hospice Care for the exceptional devotion, kindness, and care shown during Mrs. Tanner’s illness.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 20, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Stanley Funeral Home in Wrightsville. The funeral service will be Saturday, February 21, at 2:00 p.m. at Union Hill Baptist Church in Wrightsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Union Hill Baptist Church Music Fund at 301 Lords Pond Road, Wrightsville, GA 31096.

Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel has charge of the funeral arrangements.