Joy P. Tanner

Following a life of love and dedication to her family and to God and the church, Mrs. Tanner, 82, was “joyfully” welcomed into the Church Triumphant on Sunday, January 22, 2012. Among those that greeted her were her parents, Clarence Hugh Phillips and Mildred Pauline Shelton Phillips, and her husband of 52 years, Andrew Paxton Tanner, Sr.

A lifelong Charlottean, Joy was born February 6, 1929 and graduated from Central High School in 1947. She was employed from 1947 to 1962 with First Union National Bank. In 1962 she accepted the position of church secretary at Christ Presbyterian Church where she faithfully worked nearly 50 years retiring only a few weeks ago.

Joy was a charter member of Christ Presbyterian Church having joined Wilmore Presbyterian Church at the age of nine. (Wilmore and Camp Greene Presbyterian Churches merged in 1969 to form Christ Presbyterian.) Joy also served as a teacher in the Children’s Department and was a member of Circle #4. Her love for music was demonstrated in 67 years as a faithful member of the chancel choir as well as serving for a time as choir and handbell director.

Her love for family was also paramount. As her children were growing up, Joy followed all their sports and school activities and later she supported and encouraged her grandchildren at every opportunity. After waiting 70 years to become a grandmother, her grandchildren were the light of her life.

Her love will continue through her children, Beth Tanner and partner, Jasmine Girard, of Carrboro, and Drew Tanner, his wife, Sue, and their children, Madison Elaine Tanner and Andrew P. Tanner III, of Charlotte; her brother, Hugh Phillips and wife, Lessie, of Huntersville; her sister, Mary Ann Seaman; and her sister-in-law, Marian Tanner McLean, both of Charlotte; as well as six nephews and nieces and their spouses.

A service to celebrate Joy’s life will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 25th at Christ Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Stephen Ratliff officiating. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be sent to Christ Presbyterian Church, 2461 Arty Ave., Charlotte, NC 28208.

“For all the saints who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!”