"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

Proverbs 31:26

Dora Joyce Dixon Tanner was born on September 16, 1940 in Houston, TX to Leo Dixon and Beulah Hall which both preceded her in death.   She was an only child.

Her educational years were achieved in Houston, TX.  Her soul and pride was her high school years at Jack Yates Senior High School in Houston, TX, as a clarinetist and drill team in the JY Marching band.  She graduated in 1958 but had many friends with JY Class of 59.  She took pride as a seamstress while creating the Mrs. Jack Yates coronation robe in the 80's that was used for decades.

Dora was a community servant, crafty individual and talented.  She took pride in being a long time JY band parent and supporter, furniture reupholster, wedding planner and model.  She dedicated herself to meeting people at the Third Ward Multiple Purpose Center for 14 years.  Also, a member of the National Council of Negro Women.

She was a member of the NAACP since the age of 18 until her death.  As a revoluntinary, she was active for change in her community.  Her involvement included being a cherished Elders of Instution of Wisdom at the Shape Community Center in Houston, TX since 2009.

On January 26, 1961, Dora Joyce Dixon married the love of her life to Nelson Tanner Jr., in Houston, Texas at Wesley Chapel AME Church.  God blessed their union with four lovely children: Chanita Tanner Osho, Emmela K. Tanner, Leotha L. Tanner, and Nelson Tanner III (Ali Muhammad).

She was a faithful member of Fourth Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years.  She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age.  She was dedicated to the adult choir and the Branch Inspirational Choir.

She was a persistent worker for the Houston Independent School District for over 10 years caring for children education.

Dora made her final transition from this early life into eternal peace on April 5, 2024.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Nelson Tanner Jr., grandson, Michael Anthony Alan Tanner, son -in-law, Remi Osho and parents, Leo and Beulah Dixon.

Dora is survived by her 3 daughters: Chanita Tanner Osho (Remi deceased), Emmela Tanner of Grand Prairie TX, Leotha Tanner of Midlothian TX; 1 son, Ali Muhammad of Houston TX (CC); 1 granddaughter: Brittany Edwards of Crandall TX, 7 grandsons: Jordan and Joshua Osho, Malik, Umar, Ismael, Ali Muhammad II;  2 great grandsons: Michael Jr. and Jahki Tanner, Malik Jr. and a host of relatives, special neighbors and special friends.