Patricia Thaxton Tanner

Patricia Thaxton “Trish” Tanner, born January 2, 1942, to Joseph Jeffrey Thaxton, Jr. and Gertrude Fulcher Thaxton of Bedford, VA.

Proceeding her in death was her soulmate, Louis McKinley Tanner. They were married for 52 years.

She did her undergraduate studies at University of NC with double majors in Biology and Chemistry, and her graduate studies at MCV in Biochemistry, which equipped her to serve as Chief Chemist of Centra’s Lynchburg General Hospital and Virginia Baptist Hospital, a position she held for 37 years, until she retired.

Trish was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church where she served as Deaconess, Elder, Chair of Nominating Committee, Quarterly Chair of Communion, Preparation Committee, Chancel Guild, and she sang in the Chancel Choir for many years. She was an active member of the Woman’s Club of Lynchburg serving as Treasurer for several years, as well as Treasurer of the Educational Endowment Fund, a philanthropic arm of the Club. She was also Program Chair for several years and happily did whatever was asked of her. She served on the Board of Directors at the Academy of the Arts, serving as Chair of the Nominating Committee. In addition, Trish was a member of Forte Chamber Music. She served as President for three years, then as Treasurer for three years.

She is survived by one sister Fran Gibbons of LaGrange, NC. A nephew Robert Mayberry and his son, Dallas of Goldsboro, NC., one uncle, Dr. Charles Thaxton of Lynchburg; many nephews and nieces; and her very special “adopted grandson” C. Stephen Jordan, Jr. She is also survived by extended members of the Tanner family.

There will be a memorial service in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, VA. at a time to be announced later. An inurnment will take place in the Columbarium at First Presbyterian Church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1215 VES Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24503 or Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family