BIOGRAPHY

Tanner was born in Lawrence, South Carolina, USA, on 12 September 1911, as the youngest of three children born to Anthony and Estelle Gilliam. She was raised by her grandmother, Ella Watts. Tanner was educated in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and married John Garry Evans in 1927, with whom she had four children: Estella, James, Eunice, and Louella. After their separation, she married Cleveland Tanner in 1943 and moved to Baltimore, Maryland. In the city, she was employed as a maid for the Prestigious Belvedere Hotel. She also worked as a domestic worker for various families, continuing until she retired at the age of 85.

A devout member of the New Psalmist Baptist Church since 1950, Tanner remained active in church life, participating in various ministries and activities, including the Flower Circle and the “Day-a-Way” Ministry.

Tanner passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on 19 February 2022, at the age of 110 years, 160 days. She was survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren, and an unspecified number of great-great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Obituary for Gertrude Tanner” – March Funeral Homes

GALLERY