Sharon Ann Tucker

Sharon Ann Tucker was born to Lonnie and Loudelle Cooper on May 19, 1947, at All Saints Hospital in Fort Worth.

Two brothers would follow. Lonnie worked in the oil industry which eventually took the family to Hobbs, New Mexico where she graduated from high school. She then attended Wayland Baptist University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education. In 1969 she met Carl at a youth conference. On July 3, 1970, they were married in Odessa, Texas where both their families lived. The wedding was officiated by Carl’s cousin Bob Green who was a pastor in Oklahoma. The couple settled in west Fort Worth and began their family. Sharon moved to Colony Christian School and would spend the rest of her four decades in private, Christian schools’ classrooms before “retiring” in 2013. Her two daughters in law were also teachers and, in her retirement, she frequently substituted in their schools whenever needed, on at least one occasion in a long term role. Throughout her career she taught hundreds of students, mostly in the 1st grade. She would often be recognized by former students or their parents. Mrs. Tucker was beloved by her coworkers and administrators, many of whom remained close personal friends.

Teaching was her vocation, but her primary job was caring for her husband and kids. Looking back now, with families of our own, we are truly impressed with how she managed her home and family. We had our responsibilities to help relieve some of the burden, but she definitely shouldered the majority of the household duties. She was also the chauffeur, tutor, counselor and mentor. Later when spouses began to join her family, they were not in-laws; she adopted two more daughters.

While Sharon excelled in the roles of wife, mother and teacher, it was as a grandmother that she flourished. From the first announcement of their arrivals her grandchildren were adored. She was there for births, church performance, school program, baptism, graduation and every other event most recently helping with a bridal brunch for her oldest granddaughter this spring. She might have said the word “no” to one of them once, but none of us have any recollection of that happening. Their favorite snacks were kept on hand in plentiful quantities. Evidence of her love for her grandchildren can be found in every corner of the home from toys long since played with to currently in progress crafts as well as prominently displayed gifts they made for her using skills she taught them. At school her classroom was adorned with photos of them, and everyone knew what the kids were up to those days. Recently one of her adult granddaughters was recognized by a childhood photo seen on Mrs. Tucker’s desk years ago. She was loved by her grandchildren as dearly as she loved them.

Sharon passed from this life Friday morning, July 15th, in the same hospital in which she was born, her funeral officiated by the minister who married her and Carl. These are the bookends of her life, but in between is a story of love, persistence and prayer. A wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend are now absent from so many lives, but because of her witness a faith has been instilled in us that gives hope in being reunited with her in the presence of her Savior. We grieve a temporary separation, but eagerly anticipate an eternal reunion with Sharon when the roll is called up yonder.
Sharon Tucker was preceded in death by her parents Lonnie and Loudelle Cooper.

She is survived by her husband Carl; son Keith, his wife Michelle, daughters Lauren and Abigail; son Kevin, his wife Jill, children Caleb and Claire; daughter Kimberly; brothers Gary and Larry and his wife Debbie Cooper and several nieces and nephews.