Mary Ann Tucker, 90, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on March 12, 2025, surrounded by her son, husband, and loving family. A celebration of her life/memorial will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, 2:00 pm. at The Amarillo, Fellowship Church, 8425 Bell Street, Amarillo, Texas 79110.
Mary Ann was born on December 10, 1934, in Frederick, Oklahoma to George and Trudy Youts. She graduated from Borger High School in 1954 and later from Oklahoma School for Women in 1957, completing her degree in three years to graduate alongside her husband, Paul Tucker. Paul often spoke of Mary Ann as the most beautiful woman he had ever seen with a heart that was even greater than her physical beauty. The two were married on November 10, 1957 for over 67 years. Her teaching career began in January 1958 when she was hired on the spot in Columbus, Georgia. She later taught at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri where the commanding officer always admired her for teaching and supporting her husband, Lt. Tucker, as well as the men in uniform. She proceeded to teach in Lawton, Oklahoma before moving to Pampa, Texas in 1973, and then Amarillo in 1977, where she would retire after 35 years of service. Even in retirement, Mary Ann’s love for children remained and she continued to substitute teach for over 10 years. Mary Ann’s family was the heart of her life. Paul, her devoted husband, always said she was the strength of their family, and their son Terry believed she was nothing short of an angel on earth. Through her trials, including battling polio as a child, Mary Ann had an unwavering faith in God such as believing we are the Lambs of Jesus and He will carry us in the most difficult situations. This was always reminded by the picture of Jesus holding the Lamb above her chair. She requested this picture at 12 years old and kept it close to her through all her trials. Her belief in his miracles such as being able to walk again despite the doctors saying it would never happen inspired all who knew her to seek God and the love of Jesus. Terry often said that his mother was his rock and their bond was special. Together, they fought side by side, caring for Mary Ann at home for six years and in and out of hospitals. Terry loved his mother deeply and cherished every moment with her.
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents, George and Trudy Youts, her cousin Stanley Bridges and wife Hazel, as well as sister Mary Bell Youts.
Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband Paul Tucker, son Terry Tucker, Cousins Donna Lewis and husband Bill, Trenton Lewis and wife Mia with children Hanul and Zeb as well as Billy Peschika and husband Patrick with children Conner and Collin. Mary Ann’s life was a testament to love, faith, and dedication.
She will be dearly missed, but her legacy of strength, selflessness, kindness, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her.
