Jill Tanner, Cancer Survivor and Advocate, Died Suddenly at Her Home [TRIBUTE]
The devastating news is hard to swallow for so many that loved Jill Tanner. She touched so many lives all over the country with her courage, compassion, advocacy, warrior spirit and love for others. Let's pay tribute to Jill and her legacy as the Owensboro community, and beyond, mourn her sudden passing on Wednesday.
To say that it has been a tough twelve months for this family would be an understatement. So much loss, but also so much fight and strength. Jill had been fighting for most of her adult life so taking on new challenges was nothing new. You see, Jill not only fought cancer and won once in her life, but three times. Jill was an advocate for Ovarian Cancer funding and research. She traveled all over the country making her voice heard. The politicians in Kentucky and Washington didn't stand a chance when Jill came into town. She was standing by her "Teal Sisters" every step of the way, giving encouragement, guidance and support. She was opinionated, passionate, and a loyal friend. She loved to laugh, and made the most out of even bad situations. Although she could get down, it never stopped her from doing for others. Especially for her husband of 30 years and her beautiful family. He wrote this on Valentine's Day just a couple of weeks ago. I think it's safe to say that Jill was loved.
"This year was very tragic to us as well as the family. What is pulling us through is our faith in God and our faith in us as husband and wife, and as Father and Mother. There have been some long days and nights. There are days were she has had to carry me and I carry her. She keeps me going on days I just as soon would give up. No doubt, she is my special Valentine. We choose to fight side by side no matter what hell this life throws at us."
Right around this time last year, she suddenly lost her only daughter at the tender age of 37 years-old. Taran (pictured below) was her bright light. Her pride and joy. Her girl. And, just like that she was taken away and Jill was left to pick up the pieces, along with the entire family. How do you cope and move on. Jill did the best that she could with that warrior spirit that she's known for.
Then, just weeks ago she lost her beautiful sister. Losing Judy Hobgood (pictured below in younger and more carefree days) was a huge blow to the entire family. Judy wasn't only her sister, but a wonderful and irreplaceable soul.
And now this. Her husband Mike shared the devastating news of her sudden passing. (2/24/2021)
"How do you find the words to retrace 30 years with your best friend? There simply aren’t any that feel right. Last night I lost my best friend and the love of my life, and heaven gained an angel. Jill passed away in our home, with me beside her. It seems like a bad dream that instead of celebrating my birthday with her today, Jacob and I are mourning her unimaginable loss.
Jill was a friend to everyone, a loving wife, an incredible mother, and the best Grammy to her grandkids. Despite her 10 year battle with cancer that constantly weakened her body, her warrior spirit was never broken. Jill was always a fighter.
Who knows if time will heal this wound, but right now all we ask is for your love and blessings to help heal our family as we travel on this unbearable journey without our best friend. Thank you all."
"Please consider helping the family. The money you provide will help with funeral expenses, remaining medical bills from Jill's last battle with cancer, living expenses for her newly widowed husband, Michael, and expenses for her grandchildren, specifically her granddaughters, who lost their mother right at a year ago."
You can also give directly at Old National Bank. See Jackie Tipmore, where an account will be available for your donation.
This photo was taken in January of 2019. Jill had so much hope and promise for the future. "Graduation day! Hopefully this is my last infusion and now off to oral chemo ...probably a parp inhibitor.", she noted on social media about the big occasion.
Visitation will happen on Friday, February 26th, 2021 from 4:00PM - 7:00PM at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Owensboro.
Visitation will also happen on Saturday, February 27th, 2021 from 9:00AM - 10:00AM at Blessed Mother Catholic Church in Owensboro. The celebration of life will follow at 10:00AM.
The family asks that everyone wear the color teal to the visitation and service in honor of her battle and advocacy for ovarian cancer.
Tributes Pour in for Jill Mclevaine Tanner
I'll leave you with one of Jill's favorite devotional quotes from Midnight Mom Devotional.
"Tonight we pray for the momma who is sad. Lord, their are so many reasons that mommas are sad. Health, children, relationships, discouragement etc. can make a momma sad. Lord, we know that You created us to be in Your Presence where there is a fulness of joy. But You understand when mommas experience sorrow. Tonight we ask that You would bring comfort to each heart. Please heal all the wounds of hurt and pain. Please dry every tear. Please may she rest well. In Jesus's name we pray, Amen."
Tonight we pray for all who loved Jill. May you find peace in the days, weeks, months and years to come. God bless you.