Pearl Elizabeth Tanner

Pearl Elizabeth Tanner, was called from her earthly home to eternal rest on Saturday, April 26, 2025 after a brief illness with ALS, also known as the Lou Gehrig Disease. Pearl was born April 11, 1945 in Holland, Virginia, now Suffolk. She was the fifth child of the late Isiah and Laura Wilson. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years, Winfield Tanner; one brother Isiah Ernest Wilson and one sister Helen Wilson Gunn.

While growing up, Pearl was quiet, however she was forceful and demanding on things that she wanted, but she did it in a nice way. This was a trait she carried throughout her adult life. In her formative years she could often be seen with her siblings working on the family farm. As she became of school age, she attended the one – room school called Pleasant Grove. When the school closed, she attended and graduated from the Nansemond County Training School in 1963. In later years, Pearl was instrumental in planning the Nansemond County Training School Reunions.

Upon graduation from high school, Pearl decided to seek the bright city lights and moved to Brooklyn, New York, where she joined her two Dear sisters, Helen and Dorothy and gained employment. Pearl believed in the spirit of family and friends, and was often spending time with her Sister Helen, cousins, Nellie, Laura, Juanita and close friends, Helen Dickerson and Anne Head. Shortly after moving to New York, Pearl and Jarvis Banks welcomed their first and only daughter, Katrina. In spite of having a young child, Pearl continued to work numerous years before seeking higher education and gained her Associate Degree in Applied Science from Long Island University (LIU) in 1985. She continued to matriculate at LIU and received a Business of Science Degree in Public Administration and Accounting in October 1987. Pearl stayed true to her work ethics, where she excelled in the financial industry until she retired after 24 years from the infamous Goldman Sachs Brokerage Firm in 2003. While in New York, she met the love of her life, Winfield Tanner and they wed in 1975. Tanner and Pearl lived in New York until retirement and in 2003 they moved to Pearl’s roots in Holland, Virginia for a more tranquil way of living. They were together until his passing in December 2024.

On Pearl’s spiritual journey, while in New York she was an active member of Mt Sinai Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY until she moved back to her home town in Suffolk VA and reunited with her home church Laurel Hill United Church of Christ. She continued to be active and involved with the Women’s Fellowship Ministry. She was also an active participant in Sunday school, bible study, and pastor’s aid. “Her motto was, stay focused and keep your eyes on the Lord”. The church family who she loved was very instrumental in uplifting and supporting her spiritual growth.

On a social note and camaraderie, Pearl was an active member of the Las Amigas Incorporated organization, Portsmouth, VA Chapter, where she served as financial secretary and treasurer. Las Amigas fellowship provided so much joy to Pearl. She not only enjoyed the sisterhood, but she also enjoyed the community service which included feeding the homeless and placing flags on veteran’s graves, to name a few. Her Las Amigas sisters meant the world to her. Pearl was also active with the Holland/Holy Neck Civic league, the Holland Community birthday club and was enthusiastic in supporting charities that were near and dear to her heart.

In addition to her social activism, Pearl was a lover of many things. Pearl loved going to plays, musical concerts, particularly quartets singing, the casino, shopping and playing scrabble with her sisters and friends. And did I say, SHOPPING. Pearl’s hobbies included, canning of fruits and vegetables which were grown on the family farm. She not only enjoyed vegetable gardening, she gained pleasure from sharing the fruits and vegetables with family and friends. Her passions included her love of travel, especially cruising and trips with her sisters, cousins, close friends and beloved Husband, Tanner. One of her most memorable was the Alaskan cruise which she sailed with her daughter, Katrina. Pearl enjoyed visiting local wineries and exploring new outlets and restaurants. She enjoyed hosting family and friends particularly holiday gatherings which were extremely important to her. All were always welcomed.

Pearl leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Katrina Banks, Wilmington, Delaware; four sisters, Queen Wilson, Stella Wilson, Lorethia Roberts(Welford), of Suffolk, VA; Dorothy Wiggins of Portsmouth, VA; two brothers, Rudolph Wilson (Lenora) of Chesapeake, VA, Albert Wilson of Portsmouth, VA);one aunt, Dollie Boone of Norfolk, VA and one uncle, Earl Jonson of Portsmouth, VA; three sisters-in-law, Brenda Pierce, Christine Flanders, Jean Flanders, one brother in-law, Jimmie Flanders, all of Townsend, GA. Special love to a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, family and friends, her adopted Godmother Fannie Taylor. She remained close to her dear friend Helen Dickerson and cousin/sister, Hazel Lowther.

Viewing for family and friends will be Friday at Crocker Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Laurel Hill U.C.C. She will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. Immediately following the interment, there will be a repass at the church.

 Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.