Elizabeth Betty Jo "BJ" Josephine Tucker

Betty Jo Lilly Tucker, “BJ” to her friends, passed away on Wednesday, December 7th 2011, at the age of 81. BJ is survived by her children, Kevin Reed Tucker of Beaumont, Texas and Kimberly Tucker Pofahl of Dallas, along with their spouses, Betsy Tucker and Sandy Pofahl; her grandchildren, Sarah McDonald, Reed Tucker and Reagan Moore; her great-granddaughter, Shelby McDonald and her sweetheart and companion for the last 11 years, Tom Clark.

Betty Jo was born in Dallas on October 9, 1930, to Clarence and Blanche Lilly. She attended Highland Park schools and was a faithful Scot all her life. She was a Chi Omega at The University of Texas and graduated with a BA in Journalism, later obtaining her Masters Degree from Lamar University in Education. She taught in Texas schools for over 30 years, winning multitudes of awards for innovation and teaching excellence. After retiring, BJ became the Director of the Women’s and Children’s Shelter of Southeast Texas where she labored to defend the rights of those who needed her strong voice.

In November of 1965, her brother, Bob Lilly, an air force rescue pilot, was shot down over North Viet Nam and captured. Feeling little was being done to draw focus to the plight of the POW/MIAs, BJ began a diligent, tenacious and very vocal campaign to bring her brother home. After being a delegate to two Republican National Conventions, traveling the nation and making hundreds of speeches, her tireless efforts were rewarded when her beloved brother finally returned home in 1973.

BJ will be remembered for the positive influence she had on thousands of students, encouraging many to become teachers themselves; her love of a smart game of Bridge; her fierce loyalty to her beloved Texas Longhorns; and her endless love and unquestioning support of the family who was blessed to have her.

Services will be held at Sparkman/Hillcrest on Northwest Hwy. in Dallas. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6pm-8pm, followed by the memorial service on Wednesday afternoon at 4pm. BJ will be interred next to her husband of 46 years, Jerry Tucker, in Beaumont, at a date to be determined.

Remembrances my be sent to 6615 LBJ Frwy, Dallas Texas 75240 or donations may be made in her name to the Women’s and Children’s Shelter of Southeast Texas.