Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, March 27, 2023 for a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
A service celebrating her life and Homegoing will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Melvin Hargrove officiating.
Those wishing to watch the service via livestream may click on this link on Monday at 11:00 a.m. https://youtube.com/live/JJcxNQjYiLs?feature=share
- Due to music licensing, songs played during the service may be muted on the livestream and recording. We are sorry for this inconvenience.
Elizabeth Juanita Tanner-Gray known as “Skeet” received her wings on March 13, 2023, at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by loved ones.
Elizabeth was born on October 3, 1960, to the union of Emma Elizabeth (nee: Wilkie) Tanner and the late Lawrence Tanner Sr. in Waukegan, Illinois. She attended Waukegan East High School, graduating in 1978. Elizabeth accepted Christ at an early age where she attended Mt. Sinai Institutional Baptist Church in North Chicago, Illinois under the leadership of Bishop Solomon Smith. After relocating to Racine, she attended Second Missionary Baptist Church. Elizabeth later became a member of Zoe Outreach Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Melvin D Hargrove and volunteered as a Sunday School Teacher.
Elizabeth relocated to Racine, Wisconsin in 1980, she attended Gateway Technical College in 1991-1993, Milwaukee Area Technical College in 2002-2003 graduating from the Mortuary Science Program looking to pursue a career as a Funeral Director. On July 17, 1999, she was united in marriage to Archie O’Neal Gray.
Elizabeth was formerly employed with Bruch Funeral Home in Kenosha as an Apprentice Funeral Director from May 2003 until July 2005. She then gained employment with West Lawn Memorial Park as a Family Service Counsel August 2007 until February 2009. Skeet also was employed with Racine Unified School District as an Educational Assistant from October 1996 until 2012 taking a leave of absence after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She returned to work after becoming a “Breast Cancer Survivor.” She volunteered and worked with a youth football program called the Racine Ravens at a Cancer Awareness Football Tournament as a tribute to herself to help educated others on Breast Cancer Awareness.
She leaves to cherish her children: Julian Mayfield and Shyla Turner. Grandchildren: Julian Mayfield Jr. and Fenyxx Trice. Spouse: Archie (Neal) Gray. Her mother: Emma (nee: Wilkie) Tanner of Virginia. Her siblings: Douglas Tanner of Wisconsin, Elaine Tanner-Carter of Alabama, Laverne Tanner of Illinois, Caroline (David) Tanner-Petty of North Carolina, Lawrence Tanner Jr of Arizona, Christine (Gabe) Walker of Virginia and Gregory (Karen) Wade-Tanner of Wisconsin. She also leaves her Mother-in-law: Kathleen Gray. Sister-in-laws: Carolyn Gray and Cassandra (Daryl) Carter both of Racine. She also leaves behind her God Children: Robert Mayfield Jr and Kenneth Carter Jr. “Special Sister’s from Another Mother: Charlene Mayfield, Ada Hamilton, and Janet McMorris. Special Friends: Joyce (Pokey) Johnson, Karen Hawkins, Judy Beechem. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was proceeded in death by her father Lawrence Tanner Sr. along with both Maternal and Paternal Grandparents.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, March 27, 2023 for a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A service celebrating her life and Homegoing will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Melvin Hargrove officiating.
Anonymous says
You will truly be missed. Renee Reed.
The Payne Family says
Almighty and Wise God, please surround the Tanner-Gray family with Your Love.
Honesty says
The 6 month I’ve known you feel like a lifetime such a beautiful person inside and out you will be missed. I can’t stop my tears from falling you was loved by so many . I’m so glad I had the opportunity to come to WestRidge in meet you.
Rachelle M. Swanson says
Sending my prayers and condolences to the family.
Stacey Moore says
Condolences to the family
Brenda Barlow says
My Deepest Condolences 🙏 to Tanner- Gray Family.
Rest in Peace Skeet.
Shyla (Daughter) says
Mommy, I mis you more & more every second of the day!! Me & Julian love you unconditionally. No words can express this pain!! I’ll miss you forever!
Mr. & Mrs. Clemmie Wilson Jr. says
Tanner & Gray Family
With Deepest Sympathy at this time of sorrow, many thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Clemmie, Debbie, Tre & Colin Enterprise, AL says
Tanner & Gray Family
May your heart find peace in the strength of your faith, in the closeness of friends, and in the love of family.
Chuckie and Diane Howard says
So sorry for your loss and if you need anything just give us a call. The Lord only gives us only what he knows that we can bear. Love you all!
Rina L. says
Liz will be so greatly missed. My last living confidant. No more Liz guess what conversations.. no more Marina gurl you is crazy…responses, didn’t talk every day but when we did those conversations picked up where we left off & went into wee hours of the morning. Beautiful, stylish friend I never imagined this day. I hate to think of her this way. Not a lot more to say .. but to her ENTIRE family please accept my deepest sympathies to you all at this mournful time. May the grace of God carry you through.
Kathy Miller says
Her kindness and grace leave many footprints in the sand.
Eisbrenner Family says
Dear family and friends of Elizabeth Tanner-Gray, we are so sorry to have read of your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences. May words of encouragement uplift your spirit at this difficult time. In the days to come may the many wonderful memories of her life give you comfort. Something we have personally found to be of great comfort are the thoughts expressed in the Bible at John 5:28 “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus) voice and come out “. May God Jehovah comfort you during this difficult time in your life.
Joann Hayes McMorris says
My condolences to the family.
Barbra Buckley says
To the Tannner and Gray families, Skeet most definitely believed in God. She continued in her adult life to walk and stand on her faith. I’m praying for you all especially her children, mother and Neal. May the precious memories of her lift you up in the days ahead. God bless you .
Paula Goodwin-Watts says
To Julian and Shyla may GOD be with you and the family in this time of your bereavement.Your mother was a sweet lady and a good friend and Skeet will be truly miss. I will be praying for the family . May GOD bless you all.
Greg and Linda says
Skeet you will be sadly miss your smile your warmth and frie ndlyness you showed much people Greg and I send the family our deeply condonement to the family mayGod grant you confortt and strengh thru these trying time skeet you are resting now in your loving Saviors arms you done your journey here on earth and you put your wings on and have gone home rest I n peace
Michelle O’ReillySmall says
I am so sorry for your loss. Liz was a wonderful giving person. I do want to attend her going home service but I will be out of town. Hugs to all.
Beverly Austin Carter says
My 🙏 go out to the family my friend will be miss but always in my heart to her children the Lord will comfort you
Anonymous says
My long time friend Julian. No amount of words can express or describe what you and Shyla are going through right now I pray God will give you some comfort during this very difficult time and the times ahead. Sending love prayers and Condolences to you both.
Ann Kirkwood and Family says
Sending prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Elizabeth. It is my prayer that God will strengthen you and give you comfort and peace.
Sheila Grandy says
My condolences to the family of Elizabeth, may God comfort each one of you during this time, 🙏
Honesty says
My condolences to the family .
The Cottons says
Condolences to the family of Skeet may God put his arms around you during this time.
Hilary Sumerset says
To the Tanner- Gray family , Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Evelyn Clark says
With heartfelt sympathy to my niece Shyla and the entire family. Skeet will surely be missed. May God’s love comfort the family.
Robin lovelace says
Rest well beautiful lady we had many classes together. You will be missed by many . Heaven has gained an angel 😇 ✨️ 💖
Willie and Daris Hodges says
Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Elizabeth. May God strengthen you all during your times of need.
Anonymous says
My sincere condolences to the family. I pray that God comfort the family with strength and love. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Nanette Adams says
My Condolences And Prayers To The Family Rest be In Paradise Skeet
Eddie (Duke) Shaw says
May the memories of our years as neighbors, and lifetime friends to my sister Marleen stay embraced throughout the many years to come. God bless, and rest in peace.
Charlene Benson says
Heartfelt condolences to the entire Tanner and Gray family.
Anita Vaughn says
My heart felt condolences and prayers go out to the Tanner- Gray family. May the Lord bless you and strengthen you in the days and years to come!
Much love from the Vaughn Family
Anita Vaughn says
My sincere and heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the Tanner – Gray family. May the Lord bless you and strengthen you in the days and years to come.
Much love from the Vaughn Family.
Michelle says
To the family: May God give you strength and courage. Take your time to grieve. 🙏🏽🙏🏽
DeloresWilliams says
Shyla and Julian you are both in my Prayers and have my Deepest Sympathy. Your Mother was always so Beautiful and kind, I was once told Mothers, still keep watch over us from on high after God gives them their wings and take them to Heaven above. Much Love Always for you both. Delores (Dee)
Barbara McGee says
Liz,
You will me be missed, your laughter was contagious and we had plenty of laughs at West Ridge school. Now it’s time for you to take you rest, my condolences to your family.
Mona says
Ms.Liz you will be missed !! I’ll always remember you laughing and crying at the same time. Prayers to Shyla and Julian
Anonymous says
My condolences to the family. I pray that god comfort you.
Barbara Ann Bednar says
I met Liz and worked with her at West Lawn Memorial Park. Later, as I was battling Stage IV breast cancer, she was diagnosed and we sometimes were in treatment at the same time. Our daughters also met. She had a strong faith and I know she is with the Lord. My sincerest sympathy to the entire family.
Hope R Smith says
Skeet you will be missed! You were a beautiful person inside and out.
My prayers are with Your family as they mourn you. You have gained your wings! Rest in peace!
Lala grandberry says
Going to miss u
Pat McMillian says
Thoughts and prayers to the family!
Rest in heavenly peace Skeet!💕
Tonya Burnett says
My Condolences …prayers for you and the family ..
Gary Goodwin says
Neal,you have my sincere condolences 💐 in these times of sorrow…
Wt says
Love you Shyla so sorry sending all my love your way
Cathanetia Riley says
Skeet you will be missed TREMENDOUSLY 😢
Marilyn Smith, your friend and neighbor says
Neal, Skeet was such a beautiful person! Strong and full of faith. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her. Sincere condolences and prayers for you, her children and the family. I know this is a difficult time. I pray for God’s comfort and strength for you all.
Selethia.gunn@aah.org says
Sending thoughts of peace and prayers to the family.
Karen DeCamp says
I worked with Liz at Case High School. She was a tremendously kind and thoughtful person. She was always willing to help anyone she encountered. She also had a terrific sense of humor and a wonderful outlook on life. She will be missed.