Obituaries

Betty Jean Tucker

Betty Jean Phillips Tucker, of Payneway, Ark., passed from this life to eternity on July 15, 2016 at the age of 88 years. She was born on 03/30/1928 in Memphis, Tenn., to Earl O. and Florence Phillips. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Everett Tucker Sr.; a brother, Earl O. "Sonny" Phillips; sisters, Maurine Boyette-Dunavent, and Mary Alice Gregg. She is survived by her children, Dr. Everett Tucker (Sheila) of Little Rock, DyAnne Tucker Scott (Rick) of Conway, Richard Tommy Tucker, (Mary) of Jonesboro, Robert Tucker (Tina) of Marked Tree; grandchildren, Betsy Swoboda, Sarah Strabala, Christy Dunn, Kyle Cook, Brandon Cook, Erica Boucher, Zachary Hatley, Jordyn Tucker; eighteen great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Ms. Tucker attended Corner's Chapel Baptist Church Payneway, Ark. Ms. Tucker graduated from Marked Tree High School where she was a member of the State Championship basketball team for four years as a point guard, under Coach Kohn Bray. Ms. Tucker was recruited by the professional women's basketball program, "The Red Heads." She married Everett Tucker on Dec. 28, 1947 and they enjoyed over 59 years together. She graduated from Draughn's Business School in Memphis, Tenn., and worked as a Quality Control Supervisor for Salant and Salant in Marked Tree for over thirty years. Her strength during her formative years was forged in steel during the Great Depression. She was a consummate daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin and friend. She enjoyed gardening, was an excellent cook, and wise counselor to her children and grandchildren. She was the true heart of her home and a guiding light in the lives of her family. Her physical presence is an enormous loss, but her light and her strength will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Rest well from your labor Mom!! Funeral services will be held, Monday, July 18, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Murphy Funeral Home in Marked tree, Ark. Burial will follow in Marked Tree Cemetery. The family will receive friends, Sunday, July 17, 2016 from 3-5 p.m. at the funeral home. Murphy Funeral Home-Marked Tree is in charge of the arrangements.

Published July 17, 2016

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