Betty Tanner

Asheville – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Betty Jo Tanner. Betty passed away September 13, 2022 at the impressive age of 90, surrounded by those who loved her dearly.

Betty was born in Cranberry, North Carolina to Bertha and John Briggs. She attended Cranberry High School where she met her partner of 66 years, James Thomas “Jim” Tanner, Jr. Betty graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelors in education and went on to teach at Lower Shell Creek School in Roan Mountain, Tennessee. She adored teaching and the impact she had on the lives of her students.

Together Betty and Jim raised two children, Suzan and James, of whom they were tremendously proud. They also traveled all around the United States, were avid supporters of the arts in WNC, adopted numerous shelter kitties over the years, and were inseparable up until Jim’s passing in 2019.

One of her most cherished roles in life was being a grandmother, “Ma Tanner,” to Myra and Sarah. Betty loved doting on these girls, hosting fashion shows, art shows, and cooking them plenty of goodies like any great grandma would. Her granddaughters will fondly remember her kind heart, sharp mind, and wry sense of humor.

In addition to her children, Suzan Tanner McCoury and James Thomas Tanner III, Betty is survived by her son-in-law, Dickie McCoury; former daughter-in-law, Candace Tanner; granddaughters: Myra and Sarah; and nephews, Ben and Mike Johnson.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 5:00 PM Thursday, September 22 at Anders-Rice Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at 5 Auburndale Drive, Asheville, NC 28806.

A Celebration of Life will be held for the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806 or the North Carolina Arvboretum.