- Date Of Birth: July 27, 1933
- Date Of Death: March 9, 2021
- State: Maryland
“Well Done, My Servant”: The Life & Legacy of Deaconess Jean M. Tarver
Our mother, Jean Mary Tarver, was born July 27, 1933, in Anacostia, Washington, D.C., to the late Esaw and Theresa Point. She was the oldest girl of nine children, raised in a household with a strong Roman Catholic faith. As a young girl, Jean’s family faithfully attended St. Vincent’s DePaul Catholic Church.
At an early age she was steadfast in her strong love for God. She attended DC Public Schools and while in high school at the age of 16 she made the decision to follow Jesus Christ and join the Order of Oblate Sisters of Providence. This Order is attached to the historic St. Francis Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. She took on the name of Sister Thaddeus and was devoted to serving God through her vows. Under the move of God, our mom returned home around the age of 21, and matriculated her education at Spingarn High School graduating in 1956.
Later that same year she married her Beloved, Samuel Tarver, of Phenix City, Alabama on November 24, 1956.
In the late 70’s, our family became deeply rooted in the Peace Baptist Church family, where Jean was baptized into the Baptist faith. Jean served at this faith community for over thirty years, where she dutifully earned the title, “Deaconess Tarver.” Jean was instrumental in the creation of a special group that helped to clean the homes of the sick and shut in. She also served with the Deaconess Board, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and the United Christian Ashram, amongst many other special occasions and programs throughout the years.
Jean’s legacy is carried on in the hearts and lives of her two children – Michael Tarver and Tanya Tarver–Howell (Gregory Howell, Deceased) and a devoted daughter-in-law Robin Tarver. And. three devoted nieces she nurtured as daughters: Marion Watford (Austin, TX), Lashon Frazier (Bowie, Md) and Joanne Williams (LaPlata, Md).
Her siblings, George Point (Deceased), Donald Point (Marlene), Esaw K. Point (Feannia), Rosetta Holmes, Elizabeth Williams (Samuel Williams, Deceased), Elizer Ford, and Fay Suddath (Deceased) treasured her in this life. Special cousins include Ms. Ann Jones and Ms. Pearl Scott and her dear friend Ms. Polly Hatcher.
A host of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends will always affectionately remember “Aunt Jean” or “Mom Tarver”, and the special warmth she brought to their lives. And, as someone said, “She was Everybody’s Grandma”!
Jean Mary Tarver truly was a woman devoted to God, family, and service. She knew no stranger, told no secret, and served others with the Love of God. Her physical presence will be forever missed.
