Crystal Anesta (Harris) Tanner

Professing Christ at a young age, her faith was confirmed at the St. Phillip Lutheran Church of Toledo, Ohio where she was a faithful member.  Crystal was a devoted acolyte, a member of the choir and the Walther League. As an adult, she reaffirmed her faith and was baptized at the Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Pushmataha, Alabama.  At Mt. Nebo, Crystal enjoyed serving as a member of the Nursing Guild visiting home bound and hospitalized members.  She also served on various other auxiliaries.

Her education included attendance at St. Phillip Lutheran Day School, Zion Lutheran Day School, and McAuley High School.  Crystal continued her education at Livingston University, and at Meridian Community College, where she earned her degree in Nursing and Computer Technology.

As an advocate for community service and having a great love for nursing, Crystal continuously sought to expand her knowledge to better serve others.  She dedicated her life to improving the health and welfare of the community through her work at Queen City Nursing Home, Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi, and the former Carraway Methodist Hospital, located in Birmingham, Al.  In addition, Crystal volunteered as a nurse for several civic organizations.  She was an avid member of the Band Boosters and supported the fine arts programs at the local public school system.

Crystal was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.  She joined Friendly Sisters #27 June 14, 2002.  She rose through the ranks, serving the Order as the Most Ancient Matron of the Heriones of Jericho in Birmingham, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her father James Harris and her sister, Patricia Kay Harris.

Crystal in survived by her mother Kassie Harris, five sons Christopher Harris (Birmingham, Al.), Paul Harris (Birmingham, Al.), Graylin Tanner (Worthington, Mn), Jaymes Tanner (Miami, Fl); and Joel Mason Tanner (Los Angeles, Ca.); one stepson (John Grigsby), one step daughter (LaChelle Evans), 15 grandchildren:  Austin Love (Tuscaloosa, Al), Kiera Harris, Kalynne Harris, Kaleb Harris, Kobe Harris, Kieran Harris, Kyle Harris (Birmingham, Al); Amari Harris, Amauri Tanner, Ashonte and Amonte Tanner, Jocelyn Channoi, Geonard Nincey, Jeffery Harris, Jeremiah Evans; , one brother, Al Ruffin (Pushmataha. AL); one sister Pamelia Harris (Birmingham, AL), one god granddaughter, Nahsandra Sommerville (Tuscaloosa, AL) and a host of nieces, nephews and family members and friends.

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