Marie Tanner McLeod

   Marie (nee Tanner) McLeod passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022 at the age of 93 in League City, Texas. She was a caring wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, who will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

   Agnes Marie Tanner was born on March 14, 1929 in Mobile, Alabama, the daughter of William “Shep” Tanner, Jr., and Eula Agnes Allen. Marie was raised in the Crichton community where family and activities at Springhill Avenue Methodist Church were her favorite childhood memories. Marie often spoke of her father taking her in his lap and telling her she could go to kindergarten the year before his death in 1933, when Marie was only 4. Her mother worked hard to raise her three children and not ask for outside help. This legacy of hard work and determination was embodied by Marie as a young woman. Her senior year she went to class at Murphy High School in the morning and worked at Merchants Bank after lunch. She attended Huntingdon College, making the honor roll her freshman year. 

   On June 8, 1951, Marie married Gerald McLeod, her husband of 62 years. Marie worked alongside her husband, “Mac,” building their first home and raising her infant son, Gerry. Marie treasured her memories of the early years of raising Gerry, and then her daughters, Gwen and Cathy. Marie relied on her commitment to follow her Savior Jesus Christ through many overwhelming obstacles in her life. She said, “He has been my strength through all trials and events.” Marie’s son, Gerry, tragically died in the summer of 1976, and she grieved his loss the rest of her life. 

   Marie worked at Old Shell Elementary School and then Adelia Williams Elementary School as a beloved secretary. She was ecstatic to become a grandmother, affectionately called “Mamaw Rea,” and enjoyed the time spent with her family. Whenever family was around, she made sure everyone was cared for and well fed. Marie enjoyed being involved in the lives of her grandchildren - attending their ball games, piano recitals, and music programs. She gave her family a legacy of faithfulness and sacrificial love, even when the losses seemed to outweigh the gains. Marie always looked forward to visits with her children and grandchildren.

   Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald McLeod, Sr., her son, Gerald LaVaughn McLeod, Jr., and her daughter, Gwendolyn Marie Scuffham. She is survived by her loving daughter, Catherine McLeod, and son-in-law, Leonard Scuffham; her 6 grandchildren, Anne Nelson (Don), Sam Cambron (Jackie), Zachary Scuffham (Sarah), Sara Price (Zach), Lars and Ethan McLeod; 7 great grandchildren, Olivia and Bella Nelson, Skyler, Summer, Breeze, and Reef Cambron, Ezra and Teddy Price. 

   Arrangements will be handled by Valhalla Funeral Home. Family and friends may call at Valhalla Funeral Home, Monday, August 15, 2022, at 11:00am. Following the visitation, a graveside service and burial will be held at Allentown Cemetery. 

The family wishes to express their great appreciation to the staff at Ascend Hospice Care (Baytown, Texas) for the loving care they provided in the last stages of Marie’s life.