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

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Visitation Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello ,  AR 71655 10/4/2024 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Map & Directions Funeral Services Stephenson-Dearman Chapel 943 Hwy 425 N. Monticello ,  AR 71655 10/5/2024 11:00 a.m. Map & Directions   Oakland Cemetery N. Hyatt St Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions

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.