Betty Tucker

Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Thomasson Tucker crossed gently to another shore and a greater light at home in Hamptonville on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.  She was born in the Buck Shoals community on January 17, 1935, to Irma Louise Barron Thomasson and Joseph Stowe Thomasson and was a lifelong resident of Windsors Crossroads, West Yadkin, and Elkin.

A graduate of Elkin High School, Betty managed the cafeteria at West Yadkin Elementary School for twenty-eight years and served as a district director of the NC School Food Service Association.  She took great pride in making sure every child had a delicious and nutritious meal during the school day while they were under her care.

She was predeceased by her husband William Howard Tucker and survived by their four daughters, Kara Gardner, Janice (Wayne) Moose, Nancy (Ricky) Parks, Cathy Coe; seven grandchildren, Jason Price, Cory Price, Jana Swaim, Gretchen Bivins, Yancy Burklow, William Parks, Annette Coe, and seven great-grandchildren, Tanner Price, Emma Swaim, Mia Swaim, Lathan Curry, Nicholas Curry, Finley Bivins, and Zaiden Bivins, sister-in-law Beatrice Thomasson, brother Roy Lynn (Elena) Thomasson.  Many nieces, nephews, and cousins loved her dearly, as well.  She was also predeceased by her parents and brothers, Dale and Leon Thomasson.

Betty will be greatly missed by her many friends and neighbors from all walks of life, all of whom she considered to be her family.  She was always ready to contribute to the community as a volunteer, visiting persons in need and caring for others.  A devoted member of First Baptist Church of Elkin since childhood, she took part in many church programs and loved the church’s music and garden.

She took seriously and followed her church’s Christian path to “Live, Love, Grow, and Go,”: Living Jesus’s words and putting them into action, Loving God and her neighbors, Growing spiritually every day, and Going to put her hands and footsteps at His work.  She gave her full love and energy to her family, heart to her community and church, and thus was adored by all who knew her.

Betty always treasured the memories of her parents, grandparents, and the family’s Twin Holly Farm, especially enjoying Thomasson and Barron cousins at family reunions and St Paul homecomings, where she was famous for her chocolate pound cake and potato salad.  She kept the family heritage alive by helping produce two cookbooks that shared Thomasson family stories and recipes.

Betty loved bringing everyone together for chicken stews and cookouts during the summer.  In the winter, her Christmas party was a meaningful highlight of the season.  Even as her family grew, she made sure there were gifts and games; with everyone had a personal handmade stocking with their name on it.

Betty will lie-in-state at Elkin Funeral Service on Friday, May 1, 2020 from 11 a.m.-4:00 p.m. A private family Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving will be held at the First Baptist Church of Elkin.  Interment will follow at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

On Sunday, May 3, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. an audio recording of the service will be available to the public at internet link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WR2sfCxD-E

Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Elkin, 110 Gwyn Avenue, Elkin, NC 28621 or to the cemetery fund of St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2616 Buck Shoals Road, Hamptonville, NC 27020.

The family especially appreciates Rev.  Mark Reece, Jr., Rev. Justin Bell, and Dr. Bill Johnson.  Betty’s medical caregivers, nurses Janet Ray and Amy Linville, EMT Jane Hendrick, and Mountain Valley Hospice who all have been wonderful in recent weeks.