Dorothy E. Tanner, age 77, of Columbus, Ohio, was born on September 1, 1948, in Sumter, South Carolina, to the late Benjamin and Besse Albert Magazine. She gained her wings and went home to be with the Lord on April 11, 2026. Dorothy married her best friend of 48 years, Emanuel “Shorty” Tanner, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. She was a loving and devoted wife, and their bond was a beautiful example of enduring love.

They welcomed two children, Daphne and Eric, who became their greatest pride and joy. She began her career at Xerox, went on to Field Publication and Pearson Education, and retired from Nationwide Insurance. Dorothy was known for her strong work ethic, dedication, and the many friendships she formed along the way. Dorothy was truly one of a kind—known for her kindness, quick wit, and sense of humor. She had a special gift for uplifting others, always ready with a joke or a warm smile that could brighten anyone’s day. To know her was to love her. She was deeply devoted to her family and her faith. Dorothy found immense joy in serving at Trinity Church, where she was a lead usher and a dedicated member of the hospitality committee. She also enjoyed giving back to her community, volunteering as an usher at CAPA for concerts and plays. One of her favorite traditions was spending Friday nights playing cards with her cherished longtime friends.

Dorothy will always be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of fashion, and her joyful presence. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Besse Magazine; her sisters, Rebecca Johnson, Doretha McGee, Ida Davis, Maggie Harvin, Ulla Bethea, and Parlee Lewis; and her brothers, Lucious Burns, Robert and Roosevelt Lawson, John Lewis, James “Sonny,” and Thomas Coleman. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Daphne Magazine and Eric L. Tanner (Carmen Tanner); her grandchildren, Jordan Tanner, Braylen Tanner, Desirae Nickelberry (Courtland Nickelberry), and Dion Johnson; her
great-grandchildren, Camryn Nickelberry, Emery Johnson, Courtland Nickelberry Jr., and Cassius Nickelberry; her bonus children, Ricky Richardson, Karen Davis, and Nikki Thomas; her bonus grandchildren, Elijah Thomas and Vivian McReynolds; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends, including Christine and Charles Ewans, Barbara Hines, and Sonny Burgess. Dorothy’s love, laughter, and legacy will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Friends will be received for Visitation at Trinity Baptist Church at 461 St. Clair Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43203 on Monday, April 27th, 2026 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, followed immediately by Funeral Services. Interment will be held at Eastlawn Cemetery.

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