Martha Ellen Tanner

Martha Ellen Tanner, a woman of indomitable spirit and unwavering love, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, in Diboll, Texas. Born on April 21, 1952, In Jasper, Texas to LB Williams Sr. and Reba Butler Williams, Martha’s journey through life was marked by strength, resilience, and an extraordinary devotion to her family.

Martha's early years in Orange and Vidor, Texas, and her graduation from school in Zavalla, Texas, laid the foundation for a life defined by hard work and determination. She was no stranger to adversity; at one point, she cared for her family in a home with dirt floors that she kept cleaner than most tile floors. Martha worked tirelessly — waiting tables, selling insurance, and doing whatever it took to provide for her loved ones. Her diligence and selflessness were constants throughout her life, as she made it her mission to ensure her family’s needs were met.

A fiercely loving mother and grandmother, Martha cherished motherhood above all, but her heart was fullest when surrounded by her grandchildren — Dillan Emerson, Reba Mckenzie Burnett, and Tristan Randall. These precious grandchildren stayed with her for much of their early years, sharing in her home and heart while their mother, Martha’s daughter Ginger, traveled for her singing career. Martha’s proudest accomplishments were wrapped in the warmth of family, particularly the time spent nurturing and loving her grandbabies.

Her personality was as fiery as it was tender. Martha carried a fierce temper and a fierce spirit, especially when it came to defending those she loved. Yet beneath that formidable exterior beat the softest, most compassionate heart. Many misunderstood her hard tone, mistaking it for harshness or unkindness, when in reality, she was the embodiment of love’s healing power. Ever the “driving force,” Martha was a whirl of activity — constantly moving, cleaning, rearranging, and ready at a moment’s notice to come to the aid of family, no matter the time or distance.

Life was never easy, but Martha met its challenges with relentless courage. Fifteen years ago, doctors gave her six months to live. Defying every expectation, she fought with every fiber of her being until her heart, mind, and soul were at peace, ready to meet Jesus. For Martha, this final journey was not one of loss but one of reunion, as she looked forward to being reunited with her beloved son, Nicholas Stanley, who passed away in October 2025 — a grief she carried deeply and never truly recovered from.

Martha was loved endlessly by a huge family of neices and nephews, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. She was just as passionate about them. Some being just as close to her as her grandkids. Game nights were always big at her house. Sorry, Dominoes, Phase 10, she loved them all.  Her vibrant spirit extended into every interest she pursued.

Martha is lovingly remembered by her husband, Joe Mack Tanner; her daughter, Ginger Stanley-Hawley; her sisters, Retha Collier and Lawanna Ogden; her brother, LB Williams Jr.; and by her grandchildren and their spouses: Daniel and Mckenzie Burnett, Tristan and Kayley Randall, and Dillan Emerson. Great Granddaughter Avery Randall, Great Grandson Emmitt Burnett, Great Granddaughter Rosemae Burnett and Great Granddaughter Lilian Burnett. She will also be deeply missed by the many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her Mother, Reba Butler Williams, Father LB Williams Sr., another beloved Mom, Irene Williams, son Nicholas Stanley, and sister Daisy Hale.

Martha Ellen Tanner’s life is a testament to the power of steadfast love and unyielding perseverance. Those who knew her will carry forward the memory of her tireless spirit, the fire of her temper, and the boundless depth of her heart. She was a woman who lived fully, loved fiercely, and fought bravely until the end. Now, she rests in peace, reunited with those who went before her, surrounded by the eternal embrace she longed for. Her legacy of devotion and strength will remain forever etched in the lives she touched.