Gloria Annie Tanner, Goudeau
Gloria Annie was born at her family home, Morrow Manor, on June 21,1924 thereby beginning her 100 years of vibrant life in Goudeau, Louisiana. Having only traveled away from home during her childhood for an annual trek to Little Rock, her constant presence rendered her to become a fixture of this quiet place in the country.
Gloria was known by many names including Glo and also The Beehive due to her signature 1960’s hairdo that was perfected by her late hairdresser Shirley Ducote and worn until the day she passed from this life. Having outlived the only two hairdressers she had ever hired, Shirley and also Lily Taylor of Morrow, The Beehive hairdo survived decades.
Other names she was known by include Mama, Aunt Gloria, Granny and Gan-Gan. She was the daughter, wife, and mother of men that were U.S. Veterans. When she first married her dashing husband Dub, he soon departed for a 24-month military service in the U.S. Army. Dependent upon their love letters to stay connected, she awaited his return in the place affectionately known as the homelands where she acted as land manager.
Having earned her education from Lou Garre Business School of New Orleans, she used those skills to not only manage the land she loved, but also to fully enjoy her agricultural lifestyle where she created delicious pickles, pies, and cakes with the fruits, nuts, and vegetables she produced. She was a talented seamstress who could also refinish furniture or trap a varmint if needed. Fearless and wild, yet a lady to the utmost, her life on the rolling pastureland was a part of her soul.
Albeit God-fearing to her core, only such a commandeering lady would choose to depart from this life into eternity on her 100th birthday as if to say, “There, I did it.” Peacefully slipping into Heaven surrounded by family, she is now at rest with the Lord. Job well done thy good and faithful servant, Gloria.
She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph Lester Rabalais and Rubye Morrow Rabalais, husband Willie Tanner, Jr., and son Russell James Tanner.
Those left to cherish her memory include beloved daughter Laurie Ellen Tanner; Grandchildren: Brandi Tanner Chambless, William Jabez Tanner, and Ava Bray Tanner Hebert (Christopher). Great-grandchildren: Elijah Conner Chambless, Blaise Lee Tanner, Knox Jabez Tanner, Annie James Hebert, Kelsey Quinn Hebert, and Didi Kate Hebert.
Gloria was the last survivor of the Morrow grandchildren, descended from Robert and Hannah Bray Morrow who each were integral in establishing the Goudeau community of Avoyelles Parish at the turn of the 20th century along with many other settlers. Having established a mercantile store, sawmill, cotton gin, and St. Charles Chapel, the church alone remains operational with many new families. She was one of the most knowledgeable storytellers of the regional history having known the generations throughout her ten decades of life.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the caregivers of Rivière de Soleil, including Keyondra Wilson, Rhondalyn Barnes, Melissa Couvillion, Katie Martin and countless others simply who will forever be known as the Keepers of The Beehive.
The visitation took place from 2 PM – 4 PM followed by a Funeral Mass officiated by Rev. Ramji Shoury, Monday, June 24, 2024 at St. Charles Chapel (Goudeau).