It is with great sadness that the family of Tamara Loraine Tucker announce her tragic death on January 19, 2018. Tamara was born January 17, 1968, to the proud parents William Francis Jr. and Wanda Jean (Sturm) Tucker, in Rolla, Missouri. She was baptized at age 8 at the First Baptist Church, St. Joseph, Missouri. For many years she was an active member of All Souls Church, Kansas City, MO. She continued her walk of faith attending the United Methodist Church, Lawson, MO. Her greatest joy came June 25, 1991, with the birth of Johnathan Jordan Tucker, only to be followed later in life by the birth of her 8 year-old granddaughter, Alexandria Nicole. Tamara’s life was dedicated to Public Service, teaching and advocating for social justice and safety for those that could not fend for themselves. She served as a Program Director at Child Abuse Prevention Association, where she led policy change on both the state and national level and advanced child education and support. The last 10 years were spent as a Professor for Park University where she touched the lives of many colleagues and students, co-facilitating both the BSW and MSW programs. Tamara received her Bachelor of Social Work from Avila University and Masters of Social Work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Tamara was proceeded in death by her paternal grandparents, William and Henrietta Tucker, and maternal grandparents, Claude and Grace Sturm, her father, William Francis Tucker Jr., and infant brother Shawn Silver. She is survived by her son Johnathan Jordan Tucker and Stephanie Anaya (Lenexa, KS). Mother, Wanda Tucker-Schranz (Lawson, MO), Stepfather-James Schranz (Lawson, MO), Brother, William(Bo) Francis Tucker III and wife, Meredith (Lawson, MO). Sister, Dawn Tucker and wife, Dedera (Orlando, FL). Granddaughters, Alexandria Tucker and Nicol Nunez. Tamara is also survived by Eric Newman, partner and long-time love. She was deeply loved by her nieces and nephews who called her Aunt TT. Nieces Paige Renfro, Anna and Lila Tucker and nephews, William Francis Tucker IV, Evan and Noah Tucker. She also had an overwhelming affection, appreciation and profound love of and for her many aunts and uncles, cousins, great nephew and great nieces. Tamara has left an everlasting imprint of her love on all of our hearts. Things she loved in no particular order: music of all genres particularly Reggae, Motown, and Jazz, traveling, taking long walks on the beach, spending hours searching for sea glass and collecting shells, working in her flower garden, photography (she was always the face behind the camera), genealogy (she was the family historian), shawls & wraps (every kind and color), her great love of animals, her dogs Sampson and Angel, LGBTQ community, Native American culture and history, high heels, singing and dancing as if no one was watching, movies, painting while listening to Dolly Parton, Camp Wilderness, advocating for others, the zoo, her signature fragrance, pet sitting, discussing politics, quality time with her family, camping, fishing, laughing, and being one with nature. As all of us know, Tamara had beautiful long red hair, which has been donated to Locks of Love. All are welcome to join the Visitation with the Family which begins at 4:00 PM followed by the Celebration of Life Service at 6:00 PM, January 30, 2018 at Keystone United Methodist Church in Waldo, 406 W. 74th St., Kansas City, Missouri, 64114. Tamara has been cremated per her wishes. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider contributing to the Tamara Loraine Tucker Memorial Fund through the Lawson Bank (816-580-3150) 401 N Pennsylvania Ave, Lawson Missouri 64062.
