Barbara (Brown) Tanner Lettington, born May 24, 1946, passed away peacefully on August 29 at her home in Wappapello, Missouri.
Survivors include her daughter Amy Elise Tanner, son Brady Tanner and his wife Alyssa; all of Memphis, and her husband Harold Lettington of Wappapello. Other survivors include Judy Gregory, Jerry and Beverly Brown, Jim and Jeri Adkins; all from Dexter.
Raised in Dexter, Barbara is a descendant of one of the town’s first families. Proud of her ancestry, she had a remarkable memory of family stories, sharing them with her children.
She graduated from Dexter High School in 1964 and attended Southeast Missouri State University majoring in Home Economics. While at SEMO, Barbara met Carl Nathan Tanner, of Bernie MO. The two were married in 1966 and moved to Memphis, TN.
In 1968, the couple returned to Dexter to start a family. Barbara and her family lived in Dexter, Rolla, and Hannibal before returning to Memphis in 1985. Carl preceded her in death in 1993.
Throughout her life she was active in the community, volunteering with non-profits and serving as Secretary for the First Presbyterian Church. Her life-long passion to serve led to extensive work among people with disabilities, creating and administering several programs benefiting those in special need. For two years, she served as Executive Director of the United Way of Marion County. Another passion was volunteering at Cape Arrowhead, assisting veterans diagnosed with PTSD and serving on their Board of Directors. Barbara was also an artist, co-owning a gallery in Hannibal’s historic district that featured her original paintings and wood pieces.
In 2000, Barbara married Harold Lettington. Traveling extensively, their experiences took them to the American Southwest, Jamaica, the Florida coast and local wineries across the Heartland.
Diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in 2012, Barbara’s faith in God supported her through chemotherapy at the West Clinic in Memphis. A devoted daughter, wife and mother, Barbara was a very special person who lived an incredible life.
Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 2:30 P.M. until 3:30 P.M.
A memorial service will then be conducted on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 3:30 P.M. in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel with Rev. Catherine Bryant officiating.
A private burial will be conducted at a later date.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the West Clinic, the Hospice Team at VNA of Southeast Missouri who provided exceptional care during her last days, and the friends and family her supported Hal, Amy, Alyssa and Brady. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: WINGS Cancer Foundation in Memphis, TN or Lake Wappapello United Methodist Church Food Pantry in Wappapello, MO.
