It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our precious mother, Carline Tucker. She passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018 in San Angelo at the age of 82. She was our best friend and we will miss her dearly.
Carline Pinkston was born to Aubra Carl “Pete” Pinkston and Wilma Taylor Pinkston on February 9, 1936, at the Coke County farmhouse of her great-grandparents, John and Betty Hines Burroughs. She grew up mostly on the “Divide” with a two-year sojourn in Ballinger during WWII. Her family on both sides-the Burroughs, Taylors, Pinkstons, and McKinneys- were early Coke and Tom Green County settlers.
Carline was an only child, but she was never lonely. In those depression-end years, at least a few family members were usually living with them. Life was always made interesting by the colorful antics of that extended family and their wide array of family pets and farm animals.
Carline developed her love of reading from her great-grandmother Taylor who lived with her family in Ballinger during Mom’s first year of school. They read all of the Rover Boys books and a multitude of others they borrowed from the Ballinger Library. This instilled love for books and reading that lasted throughout her lifetime. She could read a book a day, and only stopped when macular degeneration prevented her from reading any longer. Luckily we discovered that we could order books on tape, and it gave her a new lease on life to be able to enjoy her favorite authors again, especially Elmer Kelton and Mary Kay Andrews.
In 1945, Carline’s family moved to San Angelo, where she later met the one and only true love of her life, Troy Lee Tucker. Troy worked at Black’s Grocery Store as a clerk and deliveryman. Mom was 13 then, and she would offer to walk to the store to get groceries for her mother. Troy would drive her and the groceries home, and she quickly fell in love with this handsome older boy. She finally grew up enough and the couple married on February 1, 1954. Mom’s favorite memories of growing up were getting her driver’s license and leaving home to get married.
By then, Troy was in the Air Force and they spent the next 16 years living in Mississippi, Florida, Oklahoma, Indiana, Michigan, Texas and Germany. They returned to San Angelo for their retirement years.
Their two daughters, Rhonda Lindsey and Renie Holik were the focus of their lives. Troy would not live long enough to know his grandchildren, but they were the pride and joy of their grandmother, “Mamas,” and they would have been his as well. Having two granddaughters in the education field and a grandson who is a federal agent led to a lot of bragging! She was very proud of her kids and grandkids because of their great jobs and excellent values.
As we were growing up, Mom was active as a military wife, room mother, PTA officer, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, bowler, gardener and an all-around awesome, stay-at-home mom. We could not wait to come home after school and tell her about the day we had. She loved us unconditionally and she was never critical of what we did. She was our greatest supporter and cheerleader all of our lives.
Mom was always the first one to offer to lend a hand to someone in need, and she believed that everyone could use a second chance. She greatly admired people who made a success of their lives, in particular, her friend, Teddy Long.
Our family thought Mom was a fabulous cook. We always requested so many of her recipes that she created a cookbook for us at Christmas 2009. This wonderful book contained many pictures and family stories in addition to all of those great recipes. She made one for each member of the family, and we all treasure the many fond memories she included in her book.
Mom was an unapologetic, unwavering Democrat. One of her greatest accomplishments was earning her City Council seat in the spring of 1981. Troy’s sudden death left his seat on the Council vacant, and a special election was held to replace him. What better candidate than his wife to fill his seat? Carline was very proud to have been elected the first time, and she set the records for serving the most time on the San Angelo City Council. It was also the first time that the City Council was comprised mostly of women. Many of her constituents still remember and comment on the wonderful job she did serving SMD 4.
Carline was never without a dog in her entire life, and she would tell you that each one of them were her favorite. One of our favorite dog memories is of Mom, Teddy and Lucky cruising around in her old blue Focus. Waiting to welcome her at the Rainbow Ridge are Rusty, Candy, Hushpuppy, Tippy, Patches, Robby, Fancy, Mason, Rudy, Lucky, and Teddy. Her best fur-friends, Buddy and Izzy survive her and miss her very much. In honor of her love of animals, please adopt a pet if you can or give to your favorite charity.
Mom was preceded in death by her childhood sweetheart and love of her life – her husband, Troy Lee Tucker and his parents, Faye and M.C. Tucker; and her parents, Aubra Carl and Wilma Taylor Pinkston.
Her survivors include her daughters, Rhonda Lindsey and Renie Holik, both of San Angelo; her grandchildren, Lindsey Holik Anderson and her husband, Jake of San Angelo, Michael Holik and his wife, Priscilla of San Antonio, and Ryanne Lindsey Barecky and her husband, Kevin of San Antonio; and her only great granddaughter, Payton Anderson. She is also survived by the fathers of her grandchildren, Frank Holik, III of Wall and Tom Lindsey of Rankin; and special friends, Shawn Guevara, Steve Zdechlik, and Fred and Sandra Gauntt.
Carline will be missed greatly and remembered fondly by many. We know that Jesus welcomed Mom joyously into Heaven, saying “Well done, my good and faithful servant. “ We love you, Mom…more than words can say.
There will be a time of visitation held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Johnson's Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 7, 2018 in the Johnson’s Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in the Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and photos, send condolences and sign the online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home.
