Frances W. Tanner

Frances Wheatley Tanner of Spring, Texas, formerly of Wilson, North Carolina and Cambridge, Maryland died peacefully on April 26, 2009. She was born on July 3, 1920 in Wilmington, Delaware. She was the daughter of the late Lee Ondos and Lydia Rasche Wheatley. She graduated from Hurlock High School in 1937 and from Beacom Business College in 1938. She was married to Frank T. Tanner on May 30, 1942.

She was employed at the Eastern Shore State Hospital for 18 years, retiring as a medical secretary before moving to North Carolina. She and her family were members of Grace United Methodist Church while residing in Cambridge. Frances was a member of Winstead United Methodist Church in Wilson, NC, where she served as Chairman of the Administrative Board. She was also a member of the Winstead United Methodist Women and served as Treasurer, Vice-President and President.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Frank T. Tanner, and two brothers, LeRoy Wheatley and Reginald Wheatley. She is survived by a daughter, Barbara T. Renzi of Spring, TX, one granddaughter, Kimberly Dumitrica of St. Paul, MN and one grandson, David Renzi of Houston, TX. She is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Lydia and Sylvia Dumitrica of St. Paul, MN.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 2:00 pm at Dorchester Memorial Park, with the Reverend Jay Hurley officiating. The family will receive guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Skip Miller immediately following the service.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, her family requests that donations can be made to Grace Methodist Church, 501 Race Street Cambridge, MD 21613, the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060 or to the American Cancer Association, c/o Mrs. Doris Weber, 5163 Maple Dam Road, Cambridge, MD 21613. Local arrangements are being handled by the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.