Tanya M. Gunter Hynes Jones, 79, of Pensacola, FL, died peacefully at her home following a courageous battle with cancer on August 27, 2022.  She was surrounded by her loving family.

A Pensacola native, Tanya was born on April 7, 1943 to Charles Clyde and Lena (Burke) Gunter of E. Lloyd St., Pensacola, and was a descendent of Salvador Guerra who fought under General Galvez in the Battle of Pensacola in 1781. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 41 years, Col. Patrick Joseph "P.J." Jones, USMC, her stepson, Kevin C. Jones, her parents, and her first husband, Maj. Michael M. Hynes, USMC, in 1977.

Tanya is survived by her sons, Daniel Hynes (Michele), and Tim Hynes (Elizabeth); daughter, Nora Emling (Justin); stepson, Brian Jones (Lisa); stepdaughter, Kelly West (Glen); sister, Theresa O'Toole (Tim); grandchildren, Annelise Hirschman, Mickey Hynes, Steven, Clara, and James Hynes, Shannan and Kasey Jones, Brigit and Finnegan West; nieces, Colleen O'Toole and Tara Ludwig; nephew, Kevin O'Toole, as well as numerous first cousins, a large extended family, and her two cats, Boo and Peanut.

Tanya had a very special relationship with her beloved sister, Theresa O'Toole. Not only were they sisters, they were best friends. There was not a day that they did not talk to each other.

Tanya was a 1961 graduate of Pensacola High School and attended Pensacola Junior College. She worked for many years under Lucia Tryon at the public library in downtown Pensacola, and became the first female bookmobile driver there. Tanya had many hobbies, including book club, Booray, and gardening. Known for her beautiful yard, she was an active member of the Oleander Garden Club in Pensacola for 25+ years. Tanya was also a regular participant in the flower show at the Pensacola Interstate Fair where she won a multitude of blue ribbons for her flower entries.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at Harper Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL. Visitation will be from 8:30AM-9:30AM, followed by a memorial service at 9:30AM in the chapel. A funeral procession to NAS Pensacola will follow at 10:30 AM for a graveside service at Barrancas National Cemetery at 11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Autism Pensacola.  https://autismpensacola.org/donate/