Vera Collen Tanner

Vera Colleen Tanner, age 83, peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord on July 21, 2026. A Visitation will be held at Matthews Funeral Home in Albany, Georgia, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. A funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m., with interment immediately following at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Coleman, Georgia.

Born on April 20, 1943, Vera lived a life defined by love, faith, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. She spent most of her life in South Georgia, where she built lasting friendships and touched countless lives with her kind heart and gentle spirit. Known simply as "Mama" to her children and "Granny" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was the heart of her family—a constant source of comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love.Vera worked for many years as a secretary in several local offices before retiring from Brooks Furniture, where she faithfully served until the end of her career.

To know Vera was to know a woman of quiet strength, kindness, and compassion. She never hesitated to put others before herself and found her greatest joy in caring for her family. Whether offering words of encouragement, sharing a conversation, or simply being present, she made everyone around her feel welcomed, valued, and loved. The example she set through her faith, humility, and unconditional love will continue to guide and inspire those whose lives she touched.

Though our hearts are deeply saddened by her passing, we are grateful for the years we were blessed to share with her. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply and in the countless memories that will forever be treasured. She will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vera Belle Sargent Morgan and Colwin Ingram Morgan Sr., and by her first husband, Richard Bruce Owens.

She is survived by her beloved husband, James Gardner Tanner; her brother, Colwin Ingram Morgan Jr. (Dianne); her daughters, Judith Kim Fassett (Clark) and Lisa Lynn Stokes (Bryan); her son, Steven Bruce Owens (Mallory); her grandchildren, Kimberly Renee Hostetler (Shane), Stephanie Leighann Mainor (Steven), Hannah Elisabeth Stokes, Jesse Wyatt Smith II (Gina), Morgan Brianna Nix (Todd), Michael Alexander Owens (Katie), Vivian Olivia Isler (Keith), and Alleigh Grace; many cherished great-grandchildren; her great-niece, Tammy Christine Guevara (Jose); and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.  We would like to recognize her special caregiver, Becky Gray.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, love, support, and kindness during this difficult time.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed." — Proverbs 31:28

Our Mama. Our Granny. Forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts.