Bernice W. Stoney Tanner

Bernice W. Stoney Tanner
March 4, 1929  -  September 13, 2025   

Born Bernice Tucker Wynns on a farm in Branchville, SC, the fourth of five daughters of James Tucker and Bertha Myers Wynns. She was known by many names, Bernice, Bing, Aunt Bernice, Aunt Bing, Mrs. Stoney, Mrs. Tanner, Momma, Mom, and to many, simply GRANNY!! She lived a long fruitful life and had a large loving family.  

After moving to Columbia with her younger sister in 1947 to attend business college, she met the first love of her life, John Beckwith Stoney, Jr.  She did secretarial and bookkeeping work until the birth of her third child. For years she was a caretaker for grandchildren and neighborhood children. She rarely missed a baseball game or recital. After the loss of her husband, Stoney, in 1972 she married Barrett Tanner, a mutual friend of theirs. She had three daughters, Johnie Marie Stoney, Debra Gaulden (Sid), and Claire Urbates (Ben); two step-sons, Barry and Eddie Tanner (Shannon); and two step-daughters, Donna Dreher (Jerry) and Laurie Tanner.  She joined Northside Baptist Church in 1960 where she faithfully served the Lord until her health declined. She talked many times of opening a daycare in heaven. She is probably in discussions about it right now, assisted by two young family members who passed before her, Cameron Berry and Tristan Jackson. She was an avid collector of bells with a large collection from her many travels.  She was predeceased by her parents; her two husbands; her sisters and their spouses; and a great-grandson.  

She is survived by all seven children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren...too many to name. She had a grandson, a granddaughter and a great-great grandson born on her birthday. The family would like to thank her care team who provided compassionate care, love and support to Granny Tanner during her final two years. She will be laid to rest at a graveside service at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Southland Memorial Gardens, 700 Dunbar Rd., West Columbia, SC, with on-site visitation to follow. Barr-Price Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northside Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.

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