Nelda Sue Tucker

Nelda “Sue” Tucker, 83, of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025. She was born on July 10, 1942, at home in Haskell County, Texas, to Arthur Raymond Pace and Solestia Willie Atchison Pace. The fourth of six children, Sue grew up surrounded by the deep bonds, hard work, and devotion that would define her life.

Sue often spoke fondly of her childhood—with one exception: the cotton fields. She liked to say that pulling cotton was tough and pulling weeds was worse, especially because weeds didn’t pay. Despite the challenges, she cherished the closeness of her siblings and carried the heartache of losing three of them.

After graduating high school, Sue completed business school and built a long and steady career in accounting. She worked for several companies throughout her life, including Hunt Oil, Chopping Block, Cintas, and Graybar. Wherever she worked, she was known for her smarts, reliability, and strong work ethic.

Sue married the love of her life, George W. Tucker, with whom she shared many years of partnership, family, and faith before his passing.

A member of First Baptist Church Seagoville, Sue lived out her faith through kindness and service. She was the friend who showed up—driving others to appointments, picking up children for school, and helping however she could. Strong, dependable, and caring, she built a community of lifelong friendships.

Sue was always on the go, even if she didn’t particularly like traveling—unless it was to visit family or friends. She loved crocheting with her crochet group, reading, and playing board games of every kind. From Hand n’ Foot to Rummikub, she was always ready for “just one more game.” She was also an avid basketball fan, having played half-court basketball in high school, and she delighted in watching her children’s and grandchildren’s games, performances, and activities.

When diagnosed with diabetes, Sue met the challenge head-on. Determined to avoid medication, she began walking three to five miles at least five times a week. Ironically—and delightfully—she also began baking more, always ready to hand out sweets to anyone who stopped by.

In her later years, dementia slowly took her memory and much of her speech, but it never dimmed her gentle spirit. Her kindness only grew stronger. She developed an even sweeter fondness for children and babies and often surprised loved ones with her joyful dancing.

Sue is survived by her daughters, Leigh Ann McKelvey of Edmond, OK, and Karen Winant of Midlothian, TX; sons-in-law Sean McKelvey and John Winant; grandchildren Brayden McKelvey, Kamden McKelvey (fiancé, Raven Whitfield; great-grandson, Kian McKelvey), Jadyn McKelvey, Tyler Winant, Jennifer Billow (husband, Chris Billow), Samantha Winant, Jordan Winant, and Tucker Winant.

She is also survived by her sisters D. Winona Sanders of Wichita Falls, TX, and Margie Welch of Abilene, TX; brother-in-law James Peek of Goree, TX; brother-in-law Nick Tucker and wife Tania of Denton, TX; sister-in-law Mary McDonald and husband Mickey of Fairfield, TX; and sister-in-law Rosetta Pace of Mesquite, TX, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends she deeply cherished.

Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband George, her parents, her brothers Clyde G. Pace and Thomas E. Pace, and her sister Patricia A. Peek.

Above all, Sue loved her family, her friends, and her church. She lived with kindness, loyalty, and quiet strength. Those who knew her felt truly loved. Those who loved her will carry her gentle spirit forward.