Mary Emily “Mimi” Jones Tanner passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, in Richardson, Texas while being surrounded by the love and presence of family and friends.

Born Mary Emily Jones on January 23, 1943, in Los Angeles, California to Richard O’Donnel Jones, Sr. and Harriett Frances Fidler Jones, she lived a life full of service, friendship, and joy. Known lovingly as “Mimi” by her family and friends, she was kind, helpful, and generously caring. As a young girl, she was always her mother’s right hand – helping in the kitchen, around the house, and acting as a role model to her younger siblings, Richard Jones Jr. and Elizabeth “Betsy” Jones. She loved her family with the deepest devotion and cared for them like no other, always offering a listening ear and giving great advice when confided in.

Growing up, Mimi was an avid reader who nurtured her deep love of books from an early age. When her siblings received dolls, footballs, and Lone Ranger guns on Christmas mornings, Mimi found mountains of books under the tree. On family trips to their vacation home on the North Fork of the South Platte river, Mimi left the trout fishing to her brother, father, and the family dog and preferred to spend her time in the shade of the pines with her nose buried in a book. Her intelligence was tangible, and she was often recognized in school with numerous academic awards throughout her middle and high school years. She was equally committed to her religious studies, actively participating in her church throughout her younger years. Not only did she study the teachings with her mind, but she relished them in her heart, truly living out her Christian ideology by acting with humility, patience, and love in all that she did.

During Mimi’s senior year of high school, she met John on a blind date, and they quickly fell in love. Their romance was characterized by daily letters, walks around the lake spending hours talking, and a shared foundation of faith - as they were both deeply involved in their schools’ Episcopalian clubs. They married on July 7, 1962, and embarked on their life adventure together. In the early years of their marriage, Mimi continued to pursue her education at Colorado Women’s College and the University of Denver, graduating from DU with a degree in education in 1963. They welcomed their children Lucy in 1963 and Michael in 1967. Mimi was a devoted wife and mother who cherished her family and managed the home while John traveled extensively for work.

Mimi coordinated many household moves across the country as John advanced in his career. Moving seven times within ten years after living in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico, the family settled in Dallas, TX in 1970 and became avid and active members of

their community. Mimi and John helped establish The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, which became a central part of the Tanners’ lives.

Mimi’s passion for learning and young children fueled her career motivations, leading her to teach preschool for many years at The Cardinal School in Richardson. She combined her passion for advancing others with her literary acumen, dedicating her career to help with founding the Richardson Adult Literacy Center in 1990, and serving as its director for many years. This organization teaches non-English speakers how to read so they can improve their lives.

Her devotion to teaching and helping others poured over into all that she did. She completed studies at Perkins School of Theology for youth and children’s ministry. She was an active staff member at Epiphany Episcopal Church, serving as director of children’s education for many years, and as a member of The Order of the Daughters of the King. Mimi joined Altrusa International of Richardson in 1992 and served as its President in 1995-1996 and chaired numerous committees throughout her years of service. She loved the meaningful work of Altrusa and enjoyed traveling with friends to its conferences, including trips to New Zealand and Puerto Rico. Her commitment to service extended far beyond literacy, supporting Ability House Project, a group home for adults with disabilities. She volunteered with Richardson Reads One Book, encouraging the community to share the experience of reading with an annual book selection and author visit, to promote to others the joy she experienced from a good book. She was a member and past president of the Richardson Woman’s Club, promoting philanthropy and community service in Richardson. In all her community involvement, Mimi’s greatest attribute as a leader was that she was a connector. She persisted with others until they agreed to get involved in these wonderful organizations.

In their later years, Mimi and John embraced adventure, traveling on cruises, exploring Europe, and discovering new destinations together. A lifelong learner, Mimi delighted in discovering the world and cherished every moment in each new place she encountered.

A devoted grandmother, Mimi loved spending time with her two grandchildren, Emma Grace Tanner and Andrew Jones Tanner. She was dedicated to making her home a place for them to play and grow surrounded by love. Their childhoods are filled with memories of endless games of Sorry, gingerbread house decorating at Christmas, concerts at the annual Wildflower Festival, and many delicious bowls of spaghetti and meatballs at Mimi and John’s most favorite spot - Besa’s, where they were known and loved by the entire staff, who treated them like part of the family. Mimi loved animals and while traveling had a fun knack of taking pictures with local animals including an iguana, sting rays, and a koala.

Mimi lived a life grounded in service, strengthened by faith, and filled with love for family, friends and her community. Her time with us was a cherished gift. Even as we mourn, we rejoice knowing she has joined the angels and now rests in God’s loving embrace.

She is survived by her husband, Donald John Tanner; daughter Lucy Tanner Dean; son Michael Dean Tanner and wife Kim; brother Richard Jones, Jr. and her cherished grandchildren Emma Tanner and Andrew Tanner. She was preceded in death by her father Richard Jones, Sr., her mother Harriett Fidler Clark and her sister Elizabeth “Betsy” Trygar.

A celebration of Mimi’s life will be held on December 13, 2025, at 2:00p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 421 Custer Road, Richardson, TX. Her favorite color was blue and she loved daisies so if you are inclined, wear a touch of blue or daisies. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mimi’s memory to The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Altrusa International Richardson, Richardson Adult Literacy Center, Richardson Reads One Book, or Richardson Humane Society.