Yolande Denice Tucker

Yolande Denice Tucker was born January 25, 1958, in San Diego, California. She was the last of four children born to Emma Jean (Tarver) Nicholson and James Leonard Nicholson. She had two brothers, David and Donald Nicholson, and a sister, Loretta K. Mills. Denice grew up in Linda Vista and graduated from Kearny High School. After graduation, Denice embarked on a brief modeling career, as well as worked for several companies including Bullock’s Department Store, Great American Bank, Credit Union Leading of America, and Timmy D productions.

Anyone who knows Denice knows that you have to listen to the whole story, there is no Cliff’s notes version. Please enjoy the start to Denice and Leonard’s “Evergreen” love story. One fateful evening at the Infinity Discotech, Denice would meet who would soon become the love of her life. Leonard Tucker was performing that night with his singing group, Satisfaction. Denice was sitting across from the stage, when she saw him walk in, 🎶The Minute He Walked In The Joint🎶 , this skinny but good looking guy with the huge afro. At the time, Denice did not realize Leonard was performing that night. However, the first thing she saw him do was hug another girl as he came into the club. This observation made Denice think, “look he couldn’t even pick her up from her house, he had to meet her at the club!!” After briefly losing sight of the guy with the huge afro, it was show time, as 5 handsome and energetic guys hit the Infinity stage. After the performance and listening to her other girlfriends talk about the show and more, Denice thought to herself, “No, this one is MINE!!” and gracefully made her way to the stage and straight to the guy with the…well you know!… and commented, “I don’t normally do this but your group is really good.” Leonard being shy mentioned to Denice, he had noticed her all along and wanted to dance with her and was just waiting for the perfect song from the DJ. Denice found this hard to believe, so Leonard asked her to please take her seat so that he could properly come over to her and ask for the next dance.

Denice married the absolute love of her life, Leonard A. Tucker Jr., the guy with the huge afro, in 1978. They shared 43 amazing years of marriage and were blessed with two amazing children. LenDee Janell Tucker and Leonard “Alex” Tucker lll. Denice loved being a mother to LenDee (LenDee girl) and Alex (Bud) and was a fierce protector. She valued family time and never missed an important event for those she held near.

In 2009, Denice was blessed to retire from the work force to concentrate on her true passion and devotion to spending time with her two children and supporting her husband, as his loving and true #1 fan. Her devotion to being Leonard’s #1 fan took her on many adventures from parks to casinos and even out of state. Denice loved shopping, scrapbooking, creating over 60 memory books, and doing puzzles (as long as they were under 500 pieces). She loved walks on the beach and spending time with her honey and their family at the lake house. Denice cherished true friendship and was a good friend to many.

In November 2018, Denice was diagnosed with breast cancer and began a three year and three month battle of her life. God blessed Denice with one last great adventure, with her honey, a Concert Caribbean cruise on January 15th - 22nd, 2022. Denice and Leonard gave thanks to God for the strength that allowed her to make and enjoy this very special trip.

Denice transitioned on January 28, 2022, three days after her 64th birthday. She was peacefully at home surrounded by her family and the love of her life. The guy with the now shorter graying hair was singing the song that he sang to her at their wedding 43 years ago, “Evergreen.”

Denice leaves behind her loving husband of 43 years, Leonard A. Tucker Jr., daughter, LenDee Janell Tucker, son, Leonard “Alex” Tucker III, sister, Loretta K. Mills, nieces, Davina Mills, Andrea St.Hill, Lauren Marx, nephew, Brandon Christopher, and a host of family and friends.