Irene B. Tanner

IRENE BROWN TANNER was born February 19, 1926 in Blackridge, Virginia. 'Rene' as she was affectionately called was the fourth of seven children born to the late Peter and Rosa H. Brown.

As a child, Irene was educated in the Brunswick County, Virginia public school system. At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized at the Good Hope Baptist Church.

As a young woman Rene was married to Ben Harris. One child, Raymond 'Redd', was born of this union, which sadly ended in divorce. Seeking a better life for herself and her son, in 1948, Rene moved to Baltimore. Upon her arrival in Baltimore, Irene made Southern Baptist Church her home church. Later she met the love of her life, Littleton 'Tom' Tanner, Jr. Irene and Tom were married on December 29, 1951. From this union three children were born, Curtis, Carl and Iris.

In 1957 Rene and Tom moved their family to Darley Avenue where 'Mrs. Tanner' became a stalwart of the neighborhood. She was a founding member of the Darley Park Neighborhood Association serving diligently for more than forty years.

Rene always had a word or two when she saw you and was never at a loss for words. She was well known for her gift of gab and would talk for hours. She was the family historian able to site family lineage for several generations.

Irene loved to cook, preparing a big meal for her family was one of the many ways she celebrated being the matriarch of the family. She also had a green thumb and loved to toil in her garden where she found solace, especially with her peonies and roses. 'Mom' as she was called by her beloved grandsons, could plant a pencil and grow a tree.

Rene kept an immaculate home that was always welcome to family and friends. Many of her family members who made the move to the 'big city' spent time at the home of Rene and Tom. She was completely devoted to her family and will be missed by all who knew her.

After a lengthy illness, on May 24, 2015, the Lord saw fit to call Rene home. Covered in prayer by her loving family, softly and gently she answered the call. She leaves to cherish many rich memories sons; Raymond Redd) Harris, Curtis L. Tanner and Carl B. Tanner, Sr.; daughter, Iris F. Tanner; grandsons, Carl B. Tanner, Jr. and Brandon R. Tanner; daughters-in-law, Angela W. Tanner and Tanya B. Tanner and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.