Janet "JellyBean" Tucker

Janet “JellyBean” Tucker, age 83, of Hammond, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026. She was born on December 20, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Stephen and Mildred D’Amico. On January 14, 1967, she married Larry Tucker, and together they made their home in Hammond, Indiana.

Janet was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and cherished “GGBean.” She loved spending time with family, hosting gatherings, and bringing laughter to everyone around her through her gift for clowning and entertainment.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Larry Tucker.

Janet is survived by her sons, Brian (Dawn) Tucker and Stephen Tucker; her daughter, Evelyn (Karl) Beatty; her grandchildren, Damico Tucker, Jubilee Beatty, Shelby Tucker, and Trinity Beatty; bonus grandchild, Haylee Chavez; “faux grandchildren,” Ben (Christine) Christensen, Brooke (Michael) Taylor, and Shane Christensen; and Emma, Isabelle, Elise, and Lucy Christensen, who lovingly knew her as “GGBean”; and her sister, Linda Hemmerich. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Debbie (Vic) Ancich, Billy Davis, Marta (Ryan) Wood, Beth Hemmerich, Kathy Krukowski, Karen Lance, Karyl Shawkey, and Keith Butler.

Janet graduated from Langley High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later attended Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania, where she majored in business with minors in art and psychology.

She worked for U.S. Steel, Nalco Chemical, and Thermark Division of Avery International before leaving the corporate world to pursue her calling as “JellyBean the Clown.” Through clowning, Janet found countless opportunities to share joy and laughter, entertaining audiences in 37 states and five countries.

JellyBean served as President of the World Clown Association and also led local clown alleys, including Calumet Clown Alley and Michiana Clowns. She taught the Art of Clowning at Purdue University and instructed at Clown Camp at UW–La Crosse. She authored numerous books used worldwide to teach clowning and clown ministry. Most importantly to many in Northwest Indiana, JellyBean brought smiles to children and families through birthday parties, community events, and performances for people of all ages.

Above all else, Janet’s greatest passion was her walk with Jesus. Whether sharing her testimony of healing after cancer, playing piano in worship, spreading the Gospel through her clown ministry, or teaching others about clown ministry, she made sure everyone knew about the love of Christ.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Life Point Church – Highland Campus, 9414 Kennedy Avenue, Highland, Indiana. Time of songs and memories at 2:30. In honor of Janet’s joyful spirit, laughter and red noses are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Life Point Church.

The family extends special thanks to Tim and Kylee of Elevate Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Janet.

Cremation and interment services are being handled by Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens.