P.O. Box 506, 943 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR71655

Betty Jo Tucker
September 3, 1937 - September 29, 2024

Betty Jo Tucker

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Betty Jo was the second of three children born to the union of Johnnie Lee and Bobbie Davis Harris. Born on September 3, 1937, in Cornerville (Lincoln Co), AR, she was raised in what would now be considered ''the country''. This is where the seeds of making her a wonderful person began to be sown. From learning how to run a household, to learning how to fish, to (unsuccessfully) learning how to wring a chicken's neck, to learning to drive a log truck at the age of 9, she had a story-worthy upbringing that shaped her into the tough, yet sweet woman we love. Growing up surrounded by family and love, she was fully prepared to continue that cycle with her own children. She accepted Christ early in her life attending church at Campground and Strangers Rest in Lincoln County. Betty faithfully went through life bringing joy and peace to all that she encountered. Quick to smile and not easy to anger, she was a calming force. Her early education took place at the Harris School in Lincoln Co. She graduated high school in Star City where she was All-State in basketball. Betty then continued her education at AM&N (now UAPB).
In 1956, her hairdresser thought that Betty might be a good match for her brother, so she arranged a meeting. That meeting with Laron Tucker led to a marriage that yielded 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren and lasted decades before she lost her cherished husband 2 months before their 63rd anniversary. While losing the love of her life hurt her immensely, she took comfort in the fact that they loved each other completely and without fail. They spent their early marriage living in Milwaukee, WI but they came back south and settled in Hermitage, AR where she made a home for their five children. She and Laron eventually moved to Monticello with their young family. There she worked constantly, in and out of the house. Working night shifts at Burlington Mill, she balanced work and home seamlessly. Many remember her from the many years she spent working at the University of Arkansas at Monticello in the registrar's office. While working there, Betty rounded out their family to an even six. After many years working at UAM she transitioned to working for the Monticello School District at their In-School Suspension (Alternative School). After many years of service, she retired. Betty was once an active member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Monticello, AR. There she volunteered countless hours to the youth department for any and all things for the children preparing snacks and spending her time making sure that all were present and ready to learn about the Lord. She also led youth groups for 4H through the Drew County Extension Service. In later years, she and Laron joined St. Ollie Missionary Baptist Church of Star City. Betty enjoyed being a church mother and fellowshipping with her church family. While making it to church was harder in her last years, she maintained her faithful relationship with her church and God.
On Sunday, September 29, 2024, she peacefully passed away at the age of 87. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one sister, Janice (Lindberg) Jefferson; one brother, Jessie Lee Harris; one son, Ramos Tucker, Sr.; one grandson, Ramos Tucker, Jr; two daughters-in-law, Sanda Tucker and Jacqueline Jones; stepfather, Charlie Swift; stepmother, Magdalene Harris; two half-sisters, Linda Kay Brazle and La Shaa Montgomery; and one half-brother, John Michael Harris.
Betty is survived by three sons, Carlos (Yvonne) Tucker of Camden, AR, Juan (Carla) Tucker of Madison, MS, Geneo (Shirley) Tucker of Sherwood, AR; two daughters, Gale (McKinley) Reese of Monticello, AR and Angel (David) Weiss of Little Rock, AR; one half-sister, Loretta (Tommy Lee) Whatley of El Dorado, AR; five step-sisters, Laura Nell Johnson, Elnora Harris, Mary Jean (Eddie James) Johnson all of El Dorado, Toni Bridget (David) Perry of Maumelle, AR, and Phoebe Gatson of Manassas, VA; one step-brother, Nathan Rainey of El Dorado, AR; eight grandsons, Willie White, Jr of North Little Rock, AR, Jeremy (Ashley) Tucker of Cypress, TX, ReCarlo (Allison) Tucker of Camden, AR, Paul Reese of Warren, AR, Ryan Tucker of Orlando, FL, Tucker Weiss of Little Rock, AR, Adam Tucker of Madison, MS, and RaShawn Robinson of Little Rock, AR; six granddaughters, Ashley Murdock of North Little Rock, AR, Laundon Tucker of Sherwood, AR, Kambridge Tucker of Atlanta, GA, Paeton Tucker of Batesville, AR, Raegan Tucker of Madison, MS, and Scheller Weiss of Little Rock, AR; sister-in-law, Eleanor Sue Tucker of Monticello, AR; uncle, James (Bernestine) Harris of Clio, MI; aunt, Elizabeth Harris of Lincolnwood, IL; niece, Martha Wood of Florissant, MO; nine great grandchildren, Jaylen, Jakobe and Jace White, Alyssa and A'Laysia Tucker, Love and Happy Murdock, Ramos Tucker III, and Lincoln Tucker-Howard; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Everyone will miss her dearly.
The Tucker family would like to thank everyone for all the love that was shown to our parents over the years. We have an immense appreciation for our community, and it warms our hearts to know that all of the love and time that our parents gave was recognized and reciprocated. May God bless you and keep you.
Visitation will be Friday, October 4, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Monticello.
You can sign Mrs. Betty's guestbook here on her page.

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Visitation
Visitation
Friday, October 4, 2024
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR  71655
Map & Directions

Service
Funeral Services
Saturday, October 5, 2024
11:00 a.m.
Stephenson-Dearman Chapel
943 Hwy 425 N.
Monticello, AR  71655
Map & Directions

Interment
Oakland Cemetery
N. Hyatt St
Monticello, AR  71655
Map & Directions

Condolences(12)

  1. Verneda Jones
    To Juan and the entire family of Mrs. Betty Jo Tucker, my prayers and sincere condolences are with you all. I pray that you will be comforted with beautiful memories of your mother and your love for each other.
  2. Kerron Simpson
    Mrs. Betty was always a ray of sunshine to encounter. She introduced me to 4-H as a child. I will always remember and appreciate the impact she had on me. To the Tucker family, my prayers are sincerely with you during this time. Keep the memories of her in your heart and always remember what she meant to you.
  3. Peggy Orr
    To the family and friends of Mrs. Betty Tucker, I am saddened to hear of the passing of your love one. She was a beautiful lady who always gave you a smile and a sweet hello when you came into her presence. Continue her legacy by being wonderful people of God.🙏
  4. Tanisha Owens
    I have so many fond memories of Mr&Mrs Tucker growing up. From school and attending Morning Star. Sending my sincere condolences to the Tucker family.
  5. Steve Davis
    Gail and Family, Prayers and thought for you during this time. Sending you much love Gail, I remember your mom well from years ago.
  6. Rick Donham
    Juan and family, you’ll are in my thoughts and prayers.
  7. Dr Sam Wherry Ph.D
    Prayers to the Tucker Family during this time of Bereavement of this Par Excellent Accomplished Mother, Spouse and Woman of Honor, Integrity and Fruitful Prosperous Siblings whose achievements are Par Excellence Accomplishing.
    Heaven cannot but be Smiling upon the Grandeur Entrance of this Agape Loving, Sharing In Jesus Christ Servant well done.
    We all loved and cherished Laron and Betty Tucker.
    Respectively
    Dr Sam Wherry Ph.D
  8. Gwendolyn & Dallas Sutton, Sr.
    Bro. Juan Tucker and Family We send thoughts of Love to you and your extended family along with Prayers for comfort and strength to endure.
  9. Melanie Rawls
    I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Tucker in 1975 when i went to UAM she was a cashier and was always nice to me. Later years married I became a member of Morning Star where she was and we created a Christian relationship working with the Youth. She was a great lady. I pray you all find comfort knowing she is with her savior.
  10. Gloria Ryburn
    To the family ,was so sorry for the loss of your mom! She was a sweet neighbor to me always had a smile I will miss her!Love and prayers for all
  11. Faye Harris
    Praying for strength for my cousins. Your Mom was such a beautiful person inside and out. I will continue to keep you'll in my prayers. LOVE Faye!
  12. DR.WHM
    Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother. Her love and guidance will forever be a part of you, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. I can't find the words to express how sorry I am for your loss. To the entire Tucker family, please accept my heartfelt condolences.
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