Daphne A. Tucker

Daphne Adester Tucker was born in La Ceiba, Honduras, on May 21, 1928, to Sted Miller and Recida Dixon Miller. She was the eldest child of her siblings Teodoro, Rita, and Susan. She was lovingly known to family and close friends as Ruth from her christening name Ruth Juanita.

At a young age Daphne and Ted went to live with their maternal grandmother in Blue Fields, Nicaragua. She held her memories of Nicaragua close to her heart. While in Blue Fields Daphne attended the Moravian school until she and her brother returned to their mother in La Ceiba. Upon completing school in La Ceiba, she taught at the Methodist School and assisted her favorite minister Rev. Elliot.

Daphne met Marcus Tucker when he returned to La Ceiba from Belize. She said she knew upon meeting Marcus that he would be her husband. Marcus and Daphne were married by the Methodist Church on September 20, 1951.

Marcus migrated to New York City in April of 1952, to seek a better life for his family. Daphne gave birth to their first child Mariette on September 10, 1952, in La Ceiba, Honduras. Daphne reunited with Marcus in December of 1954. Once in New York Daphne worked as a nanny with a prominent family in Long Island until 1956 when Mariette and Recida joined them. Daphne handled the household as Marcus returned to work as a seaman in 1957. Their second child Gilbert was born on December 14, 1958.

In 1960 Daphne obtained a U.S. High School Diploma to enroll in beauty school. Daphne finished her course and received a Beautician’s license. Daphne always tried to better herself. After working as a beautician for some years she decided to secure her retirement by taking the New York City civil service exam. She passed the exam and took a job with the New York City Transit Authority. During her time at Transit Daphne signed up for a computer course, which she did in her own time at home. A part of the course required that she build a computer. She built the computer with flying colors. This helped her to advance in her workplace. Daphne started with Transit counting and recording parts in the warehouse. She was eventually asked to transfer to Transit’s statistics

department. In Statistics she handled all the bus lines for the borough of Brooklyn. Daphne made sure that the fares and other information were correct. She became the go to person when any department information needed to be reconciled. She was very highly regarded by department heads and everyone that she worked with. Daphne retired from NYC Transit in 1989 and moved to Florida.

Daphne was involved with the church all her life. In Honduras she was a member of the Methodist Church in La Ceiba. In Nicaragua she attended the Moravian Church in Blue Fields. After moving to New York, she became a member of Ebenezer Weslyn Methodist Church in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. While at Ebenezer Daphne took on the responsibility of helping to put on the yearly Christmas Pageant. She also learned how to conduct bus trips to bring in funds for the church. Upon moving to Park Slope, Brooklyn, Daphne became a member of Park Slope United Methodist Church. She delved right in and worked hard for her church. She joined the choir and other groups within the church. Daphne brought with her the knowledge of fundraising and started a group who put together bus trips for the church. This group gained the name “Jabber Jaws” for their gift of talking together even after their meeting was over. Once Daphne, Marcus and Recida relocated to Miami, Florida She transferred her membership to Norland United Methodist Church. Just as she did previously, she worked hard and tirelessly for her church and her God.

Daphne had a close relationship with her God. She never ceased to praise and glorify Him. Daphne raised her children in the church and taught them to put God first in all their endeavors.

Daphne is preceded by her husband Marcus Tucker, her Mother Recida Miller Tatum, Brother Teodoro Miller, and Sister Rita Black

Daphne leaves to mourn her, her sister Susan Miller and adopted brother Brinton Dixon

Children Mariette Dunker and Gilbert Tucker.

Grandchildren Cheesa Dunker, Daniel James, Shevonne Zaccheo, Gilbert Tucker Jr., Marcus Tucker, Laura Tucker.

Great Grandchildren Danielle James, Maleek Dunker, Tyleek Dunker, Matya Dunker, Brian Torres, Brianna Torres, Danasia Pankey, London Pankey, Holiday Soto, Caiden Marshall, Danae James, D’anni James

Great Great Grandchild Amaja Ruth Torres

As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.