Mrs. Ella Tanner Garner
June 6, 1933 – April 6, 2019
ELLA TANNER GARNER was born on June 6, 1933 in Huntsville, AL, to the late Lee and Russie Hayes Tanner. She was the oldest of four children. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Aleane Jones; and brother, Curtis Tanner.
Ella accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age under the leadership of the late Pastor Horace P. Snodgrass at First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL.
Ella married her high school sweetheart, Johnny Garner of Huntsville, AL. She travelled with him during most of his career in the U.S. Army. After his retirement, they resided in Newport News, VA for over forty years.
Ella worked as a supervisor in Food Service at the Holiday Inn in Newport News, VA. In 2003, Ella relocated to Harvest, AL with her husband. During this time, Ella united with the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a humble servant and member. Ella served on the Food Ministry, and was always willing to assist in many events in the church. Ella had a special love for her pastor, Ricky Sykes, and the church family of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. She especially had a love for the children and youth. During graduations, birthdays and especially Christmas, Ella gave gifts to members of the congregation, to include babies, children, youth and adults. She began making preparation for Christmas “gift giving” in August.
Ella always had beautiful, well attended birthday parties for her husband, Johnny, at various restaurants in and around Huntsville. She was a very loyal and loving wife to her husband. She was very fond of her nephew, Curtis Tanner; and his son, whom she called “Little Curtis”. She enjoyed planting flowers and beautifying her yard (with the help of friends, relatives and church members), as long as she was able. She was showered with flowers, cards and telephone calls from friends in Virginia and surrounding areas, to include her church family, for her noteworthy acts of kindness and love that she sowed throughout her life. Her ministry in life was that of giving. She expressed joy in giving to others.
Ella always looked forward to her high school reunions at Council High in Huntsville, AL, and the “Hattitude Affair” in Huntsville, AL, sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Her eloquent apparel complimented her demeanor for these occasions.
On April 6, 2019, Ella completed her transition. Memories of her life will be cherished by her husband, Johnny L. Garner, Harvest, AL; brother, Ellis Tanner, Atlanta, GA; devoted cousin, Sarah (Henry) Alex, Beaumont, TX; loving nephews: Wayne Jones, Atlanta, GA, Curtis (Catrina) Tanner, Youngstown, OH; great-nephew, “Lil Curtis” Tanner, Phoenix, AZ; nephew, Larry (Cynthia) Garner, Huntsville, AL; cousin, Darlene (Charles) Byrd, Riverdale, MD; nieces: Gwen (Wayne) Real, Chattanooga, TN, Gloria Garner, Bloomington, MN; nephew, Dwight Garner, Chattanooga, TN; nieces, Blondell Garner, Chattanooga, TN, Callie (Willie) Leslie, Huntsville, AL, Yvonne (Charles) Frierson, Cleveland, OH; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews; and caregivers and special cousins, Mary Bardo and Laura Hargett, Huntsville, AL.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2019 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church (2562 Bob Wade Lane Harvest, AL 35749) with Pastor Ricky Sykes officiating. Interment will be in Huntsville Memory Gardens. Mrs. Garner will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 12, 2019 and 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the Royal Funeral Home.
