Irene Mama Dear M. Tucker

Affectionately Known as “Mama Dear”

Irene Mildred Jones was born March 3, 1923 in Columbus Mississippi, the first of four children born to Eunice Lewis. Irene was raised by her grandmother Maggie Lee Harris who instilled in her the love of God, was saved at an early age and gave her life to Christ.

Irene later met and married William Charles Tucker, (who preceded her in death). Irene and William traveled the states for several years before making Portland their home. To this union three children were born, Phillip, Sonya and Walter.

Irene was stricken with polio in the early 50’s that paralyzed her right leg. In spite of it all, she started her house keeping business and provided all that was needed for her and her children, whom she raised on her own; this included three home cooked meals seven days a week. She provided swim lessons, cub scouts, girl scouts, baseball, volleyball, drum and piano lessons. Parent/ teacher meetings were also important, Irene was there for all; she was the rock, mother and father.

Irene’s first love, next to her husband, was fishing, cooking, gardening and singing. She sang in church as a small child, as well as the soloist in a small group. Growing household plants was one of her hobbies; she had every known plant to man, including a Rabbit’s Foot Fern. She was a great hostess and known for her potato salad.

Irene joined Allen Temple CME Church in the mid–sixties where she attended Church faithfully and also a member of the Eastern Star. She served on the Lydia Circle Missionary Society and sang in the Choir.

Irene was mother, father, mama dear, grandmother, great grandmother, cook, adviser, financial consultant, prayer intercessor, giver, encourager and comedian.

Irene’s parents, sister, Virginia Smith and niece Tanya Smith-Oakley preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory: one brother, Willie George Mixon, one sister, Shirley Ann Slaughter. Nieces: Sharon Wilson and Joyce Boone. Nephews: Darryl, Derek, Darnell and Dewey Smith, Jr. Also here to celebrate her life is great niece Christy and great, great niece Kierston, all from Cleveland, OH. Three children: Phillip, Sonya and Walter. Seven grandchildren: Tia, Renesa, Erica, Terrelle, Phillip Jr., Wanjiku and Dyani. Five great grandchildren: Tyson, Xavier, Amari, Seneca and Aiyana. Including a host of family, friends and relatives.