Pat Tucker, 92, of Center, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2016, at her residence.

 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 3, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at Newburn Cemetery in Center with Father Bob DeWolfe officiating.

 

Ms. Tucker was born February 4, 1924, in Center, to Joe Jordan and Grace Truman Alford Jordan.  Pat began working as a young girl with her sister, Mildred, loading tomatoes into boxcars in Tenaha at a time when this area, especially Timpson, were flourishing capitals of tomato growing.  As a teenager of 16, Pat went by bus to the Pentagon in Washington D.C. to work during the World War II era.  After returning to Center and marrying the love of her life, Francis Tucker, they became owners of Tucker Funeral Home for many years.  In early 1964, Pat opened Tucker Florist and worked there diligently until her retirement in the summer of 2015 at age 91.  

 

Probably the most important thing in life to Pat was helping others, be they human or animal.  She will be remembered as one of the all-time tireless and consistent workers for humane treatment of and care for all animals.  If she could not care for the animal personally – which she did most of the time – Pat would find a way to insure that the pet or stray was properly taken care of.  To her, cats, dogs, and other of God’s creatures were as important as anyone on earth.

 

Pat was a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and the Center chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.  She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Center for many years and was head of the Woman’s Altar Guild.

 

She is survived by

Daughters: 

Kathey Tucker of Center

Cora Love Everage of Austin

Camille Tucker of St. Louis, Missouri

 

Son: Francis Hendrick Tucker of Springfield, Missouri

 

Grandchildren:

Stacy Burford of Nacogdoches

Melissa Kangerga of Midland

Amanda Carson of Houston

 

Great Grandchildren:

Tatum Carson

Tucker Burford

Jacob Carson

Colton Wells

 

Nieces:

Michelle Franks of Center

Renea Verdine of Center

 

Great Niece: Jordan Coffman of Appleby

 

Special Friends:

Betty Adams Simmons of Center

Jaime Faucett of Center

 

Preceded in death by

Husband: Francis Tucker

Son: Rickey Edward Tucker

Parents: Joe Jordan and Grace Truman Alford Jordan

Sister: Mildred Verdine

Nephew: Jason Verdine

Great Niece: Mallory Franks

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to O’Malley’s Alley Cats Association in Nacogdoches or an animal charity of your choice.

 

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com