Louise Collins Tucker

Born March 9, 1925 in Iredell County, Louise was the daughter of the late Alvah Davis and Callie Clark Collins. She married Ollie James Tucker on October 1, 1941, and together, they enjoyed 69 years of marriage before his death on January 31, 2011.

Louise graduated from Troutman High School in 1941 and worked in the textile industry during World War II before starting a family and running her own business as a hairdresser for nearly 30 years. She was a dedicated American and a devoted Christian who prayerfully followed politics and world events. A longstanding member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church, Louise loved her church family and served the church in many capacities. She faithfully supported local and global missions and was dedicated to visiting the sick and homebound. Throughout her life, Louise delighted in being around others. Extra place settings were commonly found at her dinner table, where her desserts were never refused and conversation often lingered long past the meal. She organized numerous reunions for her classmates and extended family and looked forward to attending all sorts of social occasions. In earlier years, she embarked on adventures that took her to destinations all over the country and world, almost always to visit someone she loved. Those who knew Louise knew that the Bible and a good book were rarely out of her reach and that her lifelong love of learning would frequently yield a tidbit of wisdom delivered with a smile or written in a letter. Louise took great joy in encouraging everyone around her, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to love life and love the Lord like she did, and her faith was an inspiration to all that crossed her path.

Louise was a beloved wife, mother, sister and friend. She is survived by her daughters: Virgie Tucker Brown (Michael) and Jean Tucker Elledge, both of Statesville; three grandchildren: Denise Brown Ewing (Anthony) of Pleasant Prairie, WI; Michael Brown, Jr. (Kathy) of Paris, TX; and Jaclyn Elledge Slagle (Wes) of Atlanta, GA; seven great-grandchildren: Anthony and Brandon Ewing; Parker and Camden Brown; and Tucker, Henry and Caroline Slagle; and several whom she considered her own: Jack Elledge of Statesville; Gina Klein (Brady) of Cedar Rapids, IA; Judy Miller of Statesville; and Jane Neill (Bob) of Mooresville. She is also survived by her sisters, Hazel Lail (John) and Sarah Hoover, both of Troutman; her brother, James Collins (Nattie), of Statesville; a host of nieces and nephews; and many loving friends. In addition to her husband and parents, Louise was preceded in death by her sister, Rachel Collins, and two brothers, R Lee Collins and Parks Collins.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home. The funeral service honoring Mrs. Tucker’s life will be held Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Diamond Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Holeman and Rev. Dr. Michael D. Brown, Sr., officiating. Burial will follow at Iredell Memorial Gardens.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ollie James Tucker Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Office of Institutional Advancement, PO Box 22500, Fort Worth, TX 76122; Diamond Hill Baptist Church, 2320 E. Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28625; or to the Christian charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com. Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Tucker family.