Margaret Ann Carder Tankersley went home to be with our Lord on Thursday April 7, 2016. Margaret, known as “Grammy” to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, was born in South Bend, Indiana on January 18, 1937, to Victor and Esther Brainerd Carder. In her high school years she belonged to a group of young women known as “The Cindy's”. What started as a club for these young girls would blossom into treasured lifelong friendships. The group remained in touch throughout their lives. Grammy drew great joy sharing those experiences with her grand-daughters. Upon graduation, she was married to her high school sweetheart Noah Michael Tankersley at Grace United Methodist Church in South Bend, IN on June 10, 1956. They soon started on a family and were blessed with four children, Michael Alan, Michele Ann, Robert Wayne, and Richard Carder. She was a housewife devoting all her time and love to her family and tending to her passion for gardening. Her flowers brought her immense joy and were a source of great pride and accomplishment. The couple moved to Cunningham, KY in the summer of 1980 and opened Tankersley Furniture. She remained a true servant to her family and was a devoted member at Corinth United Methodist Church. Grammy had a true love for Jesus and was inspired to invest her time in the children's church ministry. as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the choir and the United Methodists Women.
Because of her love for children and her faithfulness to God, she helped teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to community youth at Corinth's yearly Vacation Bible School.
Aside from her love of church, she also found joy in the kitchen.
Grammy had a true heart for service and loved nothing more than to cook for those she loved. The family kitchen was her domain and she utilized every pot and pan in the preparation of many homemade dishes.
A favorite recipe, well-known by family and friends, was Grammy's homemade sweet rolls at Christmas time.
She and her husband shared a special song which was the fight anthem for their Alma Mater, Riley High School. She and Mike spent the duration of their 60 year marriage singing that song together even up until her passing. This is a true testament to her love for Mike and how much she treasured that special time in their lives.
To those who knew her closely and to those who were acquaintances, Margaret Ann Carder-Tankersley left an impression of kindness and warmth and will be remembered for her sweet and gentle disposition and her unwavering love and devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Seeing Grammy interact with her family always sparked a smile and when she smiled the whole room lit up.
She is survived by her husband Noah Michael Tankersley, sons Robert Wayne Tankersley and wife Tammy of Cunningham, KY, Richard Carder Tankersley and wife Yolanda of Achorage, AK, Daughter in law, Tammy Tankersley of MN, brother Victor Carder and wife Sue of Fishers, IN, 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many friends and loved ones.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Esther Carder, daughter Michele Ann Tankersley and son Michael Alan Tankersley.
Friends and Family are invited to celebrate the life of Margaret Ann “Grammy” Tankersley on April 16, 2016 at Corinth United Methodist Church in Cunningham, KY.
The visitation will take place from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. with the Celebration of Life service to immediately follow.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Lourdes Foundation, PO Box7100, Paducah, KY 42002-7100.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell is in charge of arrangements.
You may leave a message or light a candle online at www.milnerandorr.com
