Shirley Williams Tanner

Shirley Williams Tanner passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 7, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in the Chapel of Hart’s at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon. The family will greet friends following the service.

Shirley lived a long and full life. Born on May 16, 1931, in Gray, Georgia, she was the daughter of Osborne Jackson Roberts and Katie Lucille Jones. Though she grew up in the country, her ambition eventually led her to Macon, where she took a job at Sears. It was there that she met her first husband, Roy Williams. Shirley and Roy built a wonderful life together and welcomed their daughter, Renee. Their journey took them to Tennessee, Florida, and Virginia. But Shirley was a Georgia girl through and through, and they eventually returned home to Macon. Reflecting her Southern grace and charm, she was even crowned the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival Senior Queen.

After losing Roy to cancer, Shirley was blessed to find love a second time. At 69, she married Clint Tanner. Shirley and Clint were true partners, sharing many happy years as active, dedicated members of their church and local community. Shirley gained many new beloved family members through Clint, including Becky Tatman, who she called her "second daughter".

Shirley was both a social butterfly and a steel magnolia, the anchor of her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Melvin Roberts and Weyman Roberts; and her husbands, Roy Williams and Clint Tanner.

Shirley’s legacy lives on through her family. She is survived by her daughter, Renee Hatton, who cared for her lovingly until the end; grandson, Jackson Hatton; granddaughter, Alex Keels (Shane); beloved great grandson, Hugo Keels; and sister, Winona Sharp.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.