Emma Jean Tanner
4/20/1933 - 3/4/2026
Emma Jean Crainer Tanner
Self-written July 2018
''If you are reading this, I have slipped my earthly bonds. I'm Emma Jean Crainer Tanner and I've lived a charmed life. William Ernest Crainer and Lida Merle Elkins Crainer were my parents, and they were the best! I was their only child, born April 20, 1933. You fill in the blank for my death (March 4, 2026)...some time after my 85th birthday that was a hoot.
David Lee Tanner and I married while attending THE University of Texas in Austin. David became a fine Chemical Engineer, thirty-eight years with Dow Chemical Co., Texas Operations and as an International consultant. I taught in Austin ISD and Brazosport ISD for thirty years and a couple at Brazosport College as the ALLP Coordinator, plus twenty concurrent years as an events planner. We've called Lake Jackson home since 1956. Some of you have heard me say, 'I've lived in a 45-mile radius, but David and I have experienced all the continents of the world!' Thank you, God.
David and I agreed, that of our accomplishments, daughter Tharon Rene' Tanner and son Troy Lee Tanner were our best effort. Tharon is married to Eric Kneupper and they have a daughter, Francesca. Troy and wife Jennelle have three of the Tanner grands; grandson Cameron and wife Vanessa, Hailey and Peyton. Our four grands are, of course, the best in every way.
This is my obituary, so I think I'll reminisce about some of the experiences and honors I cherish. As an alumna of Bay City High School, I've been given the honor of Outstanding Alumnus (a singular honor in my graduating class), a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, serving two biennium as Eta Omega Chapter President (1968-70 and 1986-88) and District IV Area Coordinator for two biennium. As a member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, I've served in most capacities, including Lay Speaker and as a member of UMC Foundation Board.
As a fifth generation Texan, meaning, I had ancestors in the Republic of Texas, I belong to The Daughters of the Republic of Texas. As a member of the Cradle of Texas Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, I served as chapter president and at the DRT state level as the Awards Chair, and as the Publicity Chair. The Brazoria County Historical Museum is an exceptional entity, and as a former President of the Board of Directors, I urge all of you reading this to be members. I was honored with the BCHM Pioneer Award, thanks. Currently, I serve on the Brazoria County Historical Commission. As Queen of Ramallah Temple, Daughters of the Nile, I volunteered at the Shrine Hospital for burned children, a blessing. Being inducted into the Wednesday Review Club and elected President, also, the Passing Fancy book club both have been an honor and a privilege.
Special organizational challenges have been the Brazosport Symphony League and the Brazosport Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. Serving as the president of each has been exciting. At this time (2018), I'm manager of a painted violin project. The Violin Project is a fundraiser auctioning exquisite painted/celebrity violins. Four violins are in the works with one already successfully auctioned.
To my amazing family, friends, and former students, you have contributed to the fulfillment of my life. Be happy, do your part to make the world a better place, smile, and I hope you dance.
Thank you, Emma Jean Crainer Tanner''
During her lifetime, Emma Jean participated in the above-mentioned organizations and activities and others including Silver-Haired Legislators on the state level where she took particular interest in legislation pertaining to education and educators. She participated in municipal government by serving on the Planning Commission for the city of Lake Jackson. Participation in all these groups and activities gained her a wide assortment of acquaintances and friends. She was also an expert on Robert's Rules of Order.
Preceded in death by her parents, William Ernest and Lida Merle Elkins Crainer and husband of 61 years, David Lee Tanner.
She leaves behind daughter, Tharon Tanner (Eric Kneupper), son, Troy Tanner (Jennelle), grands, Cameron Tanner (Vanessa), Hailey Noffsinger, Francesca Kneupper, Peyton Johnson (Max), great-grands Addison Jean Tanner and Bennett Lee Tanner, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends and acquaintances.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2 pm at Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Lake Jackson in the Fellowship Hall. We're not mourning our loss, we're celebrating her life. Feel free to dress the part. If you have an uplifting or humorous story about Emma Jean, you will have an opportunity to share.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following:
True to Life Ministries of Lake Jackson
Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Lake Jackson
Any charity that is near and dear to your heart
Obituary Provided By:
www.lakewoodfuneralchapel.com
info@lakewoodfuneralchapel.com
979-297-6464
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