"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine." Jean Hogan Tanner, 94, formerly of Lynchburg, VA, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, surrounded by family at her home in Vero Beach, FL.  Much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was a powerful example of humility, grace and faith.

Jean was born Aug. 8, 1929, in Lynch Station, VA, to the late Howard and Christine Carter Hogan.  The third of seven siblings, all of whom pre-deceased her, Jean was valedictorian and President of the Class of 1947, Altavista (VA) High School. She began a career as a secretary, working in both the insurance and legal fields, before meeting the love of her life, Lester W. Tanner.  They were married Feb. 5, 1954, and Jean followed him as he began his military service.

She was a proud Army wife and active in Officers' Wives Clubs on the many bases where they were stationed. Each of their five children were born at different locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Wherever she traveled, she and her husband made sure to find a church home where they could bring up their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)

Her faith was her cornerstone. In addition to rearing her family, she enjoyed volunteering as a poll worker in Campbell County, VA, for many years. She was a talented seamstress, creating formal gowns and designing her own matching dress and hat ensemble for the occasion of meeting President Lyndon Johnson in the White House.  She was skilled at hand-smocking  and fashioned dozens of lovely outfits for her grandchildren.

Jean and Lester returned to Virginia to finish his military career and eventually retired to Lynchburg, VA, where they were active members of Thomas Road Baptist Church and Timberlake Baptist Church for more than 33 years.

In 2013, she and Lester followed many of their children to warmer weather and settled in Vero Beach, FL, where they joined Faith Baptist Church. Jean especially enjoyed sharing the stories of the many missionaries she met throughout her life. She was a strong supporter of mission work and every effort to declare the Gospel of Christ to the world.

Jean is survived by her loving and devoted husband of nearly 70 years, Lester, of Vero Beach, FL, and a large extended family of five children, 20 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by two grandsons, Timothy and Travis Tanner. Her proud children include Laura (Jeffrey) Southard of Vero Beach, FL; Terry (Kelly) Tanner of Avon, NC; Alan Tanner of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Pamela (Payton) Poole of Hattiesburg , MS; and Paul (Christie) Tanner of Vero Beach, FL.

The family would like to thank special friends Lynn Bennett, Deidre Harrell, Judy Bingham, and Beverly Moon, all of Vero Beach, for their loving care of Jean.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Missionary Fund at Faith Baptist Church, Vero Beach.

"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." (Proverbs 31:29)