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Tamara Loraine Tucker, Age: 50
Jan 17, 1968 - Jan 19, 2018

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.
Send Condolences

Condolences

Sandy Triebel Jan 28, 2018

Alendria Nicole's maternal grandma ,Independence ,Missouri

Your family is in my prayers. It is with great sadness that I say how sorry I am for your loss, she was a great woman that will be missed dearly and whose memory will never fade.

Barb Barredtte Jan 28, 2018

I keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.

Dionne Boyice Jan 28, 2018

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Ms. Tucker was a gentle and generous soul. While I will truly miss her...I am honored to have known her well enough, to miss her. Namaste Ms Tucker, Namaste❤ Love and prayers to the Tucker Family, during this time of grief and reflection. -Rev.Dionne T Boyice

Krista Jan 29, 2018

Student/bookstore ,Missouri

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Tamara always had a smile on her face and was a joy to be around not only in her class but also working with her. She will be greatly missed by all her students and co-workers at Park. I send love and hugs to her family and friends.

Valerie (Bailey) Snyder Jan 29, 2018

Life long friend ,Broomfield ,Colorado

What a beautiful lady, her heart and soul went into everything that crossed her path. Her genuine smile and the love she showed to so many with her huge heart! She will be missed so much. My prayers go out to you all, sending hugs and love to Wanda, Bo and the family.

Leon Probasco Jan 30, 2018

Colleague & Friend at Park University ,Liberty ,Missouri

Tamara was a wonderful professor, colleague, social worker, mother,and friend. She became my friend during the past three years as we both taught social work classes at Park University. She was loved by her students, for whom she was teacher, mentor & advocate. She was devoted to her family,students, & social work profession. She spoke the truth, even when others were quiet. Tamara will live on in the memories & lives she touched. She always signed her emails with "Namaste," which in Sanskrit means "The Spirit in me sees the Spirit in you." May this continue to be true with her students, family, & friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Namaste, Leon Probasco, Park University.

Sandra (Raybourn) Ennis Jan 30, 2018

friend of family ,Washburn ,Missouri

Sendin my heartfelt condolences to ALL of the family.. What a beautiful lady and she will be greatly missed. Prayers. hugs and love your way...

Kate Brady Jan 30, 2018

Childhood Friend ,Smithville ,Missouri

Tammy was such a sensitive soul. She touched all who knew her. I remember her feisty spirit and the ease with which she expressed emotion. Tammy was not someone who could ever be forgotten. Her strong life force lives on in the memories and hearts of those who knew her.

Sydney George Jan 30, 2018

Former student ,Mission ,Kansas

My heart goes out to the loss of such an amazing person, teacher, friend. Ms.tucker taught me things no one else could. I did not know my path when I came to Park when I graduated I did. She was an inspiration to me and a pivotal person for me going to grad school. She wrote my recommendation letter and I attribute many of my successes to her. There are a lot of teachers in this world but not all leave a mark like she did. I am saddened to hear this news but grateful was a part of my life.

Bob Wilhelmi Feb 01, 2018

Family Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

we're so sorry, Our family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers,

Mika Tyhurst Sep 06, 2018

Former student ,Smithville ,Missouri

The news release more information on my beloved teacher. I haven’t forgot her or her family. My prayers continue to be with you and her family as you continue to grieve the loss of such an amazing women.