Dorotha Ann Tucker

Dorotha Ann Tucker passed away from her earthly life on July 28, 2024 in Tyler, Texas. Dorotha was born in Clyde, Texas on March 18, 1936, the daughter of Frank and Mildred (Powell) Konczak. She attended school in Clyde and was valedictorian of her high school class. Shortly after graduation, she married Tommy Dee Tucker on August 12, 1954 and was devoted to him until his death.

Dorotha was a stay-at-home mom for many years. Believing in the power of education, she and Tommy dreamed they’d be able to provide the means for their children to attend college. But to do this, she needed her education too. So, when the older ones were school age, she began commuting to Cisco Jr. College. It was truly a family endeavor, and everyone did their part to make the goal a reality. In less than 4 years, Dorotha graduated with honors from Hardin Simmons University, all while running a household and keeping up with a husband and busy kids. She taught elementary school nineteen years for Clyde CISD. Dorotha sacrificed much for her family and was extremely proud that her 5 children all graduated from college debt free. It was a tremendous gift from a couple with such humble beginnings. Additionally, she modeled what she considered essential life teachings for her children: love God, love your country, be honest, be respectful, work hard, serve others, finish what you start, show up on time, and never be wasteful.

Dorotha was a founding member of the Callahan County Child Welfare board. She helped set up the Bailey Johnson Scholarship Fund honoring the longtime and well-respected Superintendent of Clyde Schools. She served on the Clyde Catholic Cemetery board. She was recognized as the CISD Teacher of the Year as well as the ABWA Woman of the Year. Dorotha was a Girl Scout Leader when her daughters started scouting and continued for several years eventually taking a national group of girls on a trek to Ten Sleep, Wyoming.

Dorotha enjoyed crafting. She always had a project going, whether it be knitting, crochet, Swedish embroidery, quilting, or stained glass. She was also an expert seamstress. After she retired from teaching, the Tuckers moved to Ash Flat, Arkansas, and she used those skills to start her own business. In her later years she began knitting toboggans for the homeless and taught her friends the process as well. She donated countless numbers of caps to local charities. Tommy and Dorotha enjoyed traveling, and after retirement, spent winters in the Texas Valley making friends from all over the continent.

Dorotha was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy; her parents; sisters: Jeanne Watson, June Patton Boyd, Helen Welton, Mildred Banks and brothers Andy Konczak and Tommy Joe Konczak.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Robbie and Marsha Tucker, Tommie Ann and Mike Grinnell, Debbie and Mack Skinner, Pennye Rhodes, & Toby and Stephanie Tucker; 10 grandchildren: Tyson Tucker (Paige), Allison Skinner Cavazos (Robert), Amy Grinnell Epperson (Matt), Kirstin Tucker Stewart (Donn), Jacob Grinnell (Jordan), Travis Rhodes (Kate), Samuel Rhodes (Emma), Kaitlyn Tucker, Caden Tucker & Colt Tucker and 9 great grandchildren: Mason, Linley & Bennett Tucker, Charles Epperson, Joanna & Laura Rhodes, Hunter & Cooper Stewart and Henry Grinnell. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Wilora Tucker and Janece Tucker, numerous nieces and nephews and Katy Barone who has been like a daughter for over 40 years.

Funeral mass will be 2:00pm Thursday, August 1st at Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul in Tyler. Burial will be at the Clyde Catholic Cemetery on FM 18 between Clyde and Baird, Texas on Friday, August 2nd at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the following:

Clyde Catholic Cemetery

901 FM 2700

Clyde, TX 79510

Bailey Johnson Scholarship Fund

c/o First Financial Bank

P.O. Box 459

Clyde, TX 79510

Or the donor’s favorite charity.