Marietta Jones Tanner

Tanner Memorial Service 🎥 LIVE from USG in Philadelphia

https://www.youtube.com/live/ddZ8BJheVbo

Marietta Jones Tanner, 98, a beloved educator, activist, and lifelong champion of community, passed away peacefully on January 22. She was the youngest of six children born to Mary Dickens and George Jones in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. From her early years in her tight-knit neighborhood, Marietta demonstrated an unyielding spirit and a commitment to social justice that would define her life.

Growing up during the Depression, Marietta and her family thrived thanks to hard work and the land her grandmother had acquired. The vibrant Crestmont community, built by and for African American families, instilled in her the value of collective action and resilience. Her mother managed the household and farm, while her father, a postal worker and prominent local activist, inspired Marietta’s passion for advocacy.

Despite segregation's barriers, Marietta excelled academically, graduating from the newly integrated Abington High School in 1945. Determined to further her education, she attended Temple University while working at the post office, then West Virginia State College with her brother’s support, graduating with honors with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1949. She later earned a master’s degree in education administration from City College of New York, always believing in the transformative power of learning.

Marietta’s dream of becoming a journalist was thwarted by racism in the 1950s, but she redirected her energy into teaching. Over a distinguished career in New York City schools, she inspired generations of students as an English teacher and later as an assistant principal. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom: she managed innovative educational programs, contributed columns to the Amsterdam News, and worked with pioneering organizations dedicated to social uplift. Her mentorship and advocacy helped countless young people find their voice and purpose.

In 1959, Marietta married Cyrus S. Tanner, a devoted police officer and Tuskegee Airman. Together they raised two children, David and Stephanie, in a home filled with love, activism, and intellectual curiosity. After Cyrus’s passing in 1974, Marietta remained a pillar of strength for her family and community.

Upon retirement from the school system in 1992, Marietta returned to Willow Grove and built a home on the family land with her siblings. Later, she moved to Goodwin House in Falls Church, VA where she quickly became a vital part of the community. Whether winning medals in the Senior Olympics, nurturing a butterfly garden, or immersing herself in the arts, Marietta lived life with exuberance and curiosity. In her later years, she found love again with Nathan Miller, with whom she shared travel, companionship, and deep joy.

Marietta’s activism knew no bounds. She championed civil rights, women’s rights, environmental causes, and international cooperation, especially through her decades of work with the United Nations Association and the Unitarian Universalist UN Organization. She was a founder and leader in organizations from the Bronx Committee on the Arts to the NAACP and was recognized with awards from numerous civic groups. Her presence was felt at political conventions, community meetings, and in every space where progress was possible. She can be seen in the Ken Burns Documentary on Vietnam while at the 1968 Democratic Convention.

A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority since 1947, Marietta helped found and lead chapters in New York and Philadelphia, supported scholarships for African American students, and celebrated her Diamond Soror year in 2022.

Marietta’s legacy includes two published books, countless columns, plays, and poems, and a vast network of former students, colleagues, friends, and family who were touched by her wisdom and kindness. Her book, Driving in Second, is a memoir about her journey through the segregated South in 1954. Her final years, though marked by illness, were brightened by Nathan’s steadfast love and by her family's support.

Marietta J. Tanner’s life was defined by a deep belief in community, the power of education, and the possibility of a more just and compassionate world. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered for her courage, intellect, and unshakeable hope.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Dorothy, Thelma, George, Theodore, and Elaine. She is survived by her devoted husband Nathan, children Stephanie Weber and David Tanner, grandchildren Lauren, Jared, Cecilia, and Samantha, and a host of extended family and friends.

Donation Information

In honor of our beloved, Marietta J. Tanner, and in lieu of flowers or gifts, we invite you to consider contributing to her legacy through the Marietta Jones Tanner Scholarship Fund with the Ivy Legacy Foundation. Your donation will continue her lifelong commitment to service, education, and uplifting the next generation.

Online Donations:

Please use the link below and select “Marietta Jones Tanner Scholarship” from the drop-down menu:

https://theivylegacyfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/228086-scholarship-pledges

Mail-in Donations:

Checks may be made payable to The Ivy Legacy Foundation.

On the memo/subject line, please write: “Marietta Jones Tanner Scholarship Fund.”

Mail to:

The Ivy Legacy Foundation

6703 Germantown Ave, Suite 200

Philadelphia, PA 19119

With gratitude,

The Tanner Family 💚💗

Memorial Information

Two celebrations of life will be held.

March 28th 1:00 pm, Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads, 3440 S. Jefferson St. Falls Church, VA 22041, Limited valet parking will be available

May 9th Unitarian Society of Germantown, Pennsylvania. 6511 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia PA, 19119.

PLEASE NOTE For parking/driving directions please use: 359 W. Johnson St, 19119 in your GPS

10:00 AM AKA ceremony (doors will close at 10 and reopen at 10:30),

10:30 AM Memorial Service. Repast to follow.

Marietta Tanner Memorial Room Block May 2026

Start Date: Thursday, May 07, 2026

End Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026

Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:

• Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel for 219.00 USD - 319.00 USD per night - Last Day to Book : Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Book your group rate for Marietta Tanner Memorial Room Block May2026 https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1776098833415&key=GRP&app=resvlink

Please note that your group booking link does expire by end of day Tuesday, April 28th.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse