Emily Sue Tucker, 94, passed away peacefully on November 5th, 2018 at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh. Born on March 23, 1924 in Freeport, New York; she was one of five children to the late Howard M. Smith and Emily Brown Smith.
Emily grew up in Freeport and was known as Tiny to her family because she was so petite. Her father called her his little Dutch girl. She graduated from Freeport High School and worked at a toy factory before meeting James W. Tucker Sr.
James had become friends with Emily’s brothers after being discharged from the Army. They married on March 27, 1951. She gave birth to her only child, James Jr. in June of 1960. Jamie, as he was known to his family, was the light of her life. They did everything together when he was growing up, including cheering him on at his baseball games, watching the N.Y. Mets and Rangers on tv and later they were on a family bowling team.
Emily worked in the elementary school cafeteria for 35 years until retiring at age 82. She loved being around the school children who also called her grandma.
Emily loved animals and had dogs and cats her entire life. She loved to collect knickknacks, lapel pins and scarves. Emily loved her grandchildren and enjoyed babysitting whenever she was needed.
She is lovingly remembered by her son and daughter-in-law: James W. Tucker, Jr. and Denise Tucker, of Raleigh; by her four grandchildren: James W. Tucker, III, Nicole Tucker, Alexander Tucker and Samantha Tucker; by her sister: Ruth Ranieri and her family; and by other family and friends, including her sisters-in-law: Jane Smith, Mary Denig, Therese Tucker.
Emily was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband, James W. Tucker, Sr. in 2014 and by her siblings: Howard “Buddy” Smith, Jr., Charles Smith and Frances Smith.
Family will receive friends on Friday, November 9th from 2-3 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home, with funeral services, officiated by Rev. David Mallory, to be held in the funeral home chapel at 3 pm. Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Transitions LifeCare – 200 Hospice Circle – Raleigh, NC 27607 for their loving care of both Emily and her late husband in 2014.
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