Flora Tucker

Mrs. Flora Tucker was born on January 12, 1930 in East St. Louis, IL. to William and Mattie Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sons (twins) Stanley and Stanford Tucker, Bernard Tucker (Bernadette’s twin), 2 sisters, Rosa Mae Wade and Dora Beard (her twin) and 1 brother William Johnson II. Mrs. Tucker received the Lord and was baptized at an early age at the old Mt. Zion Church on Trendley Avenue in East St. Louis, IL. Flora attended school in East St. Louis School District 189 and later attended Washington Technical School in St. Louis, Mo. She was employed for East St. Louis School District 189 for over 36 years, until her retirement in 1995. In her young adult years, she was crowned Queen of Zenus Temple She was passionate about cooking for her friends and family and was so close to all of her grandchildren, especially those that she helped raise. Flora was a mentor to a lot of her children and grandchildren’s friends and loved giving advice and helping in any way she could. She would give you the shirt off her back and her last dime was known for providing shelter to those in need. Mrs. Tucker was an unconditional supporter and a firm believer of “tough love”. Mrs. Flora enjoyed spending time with her family riding to Springfield, IL. just to have fish fries on the weekends. She loved listening to music, dancing, playing bingo, hosting card games and taking trips to Tunica, MS. To play slots with the Class of 49 the (49ers). Flora would always make sure that we knew she could touch her toes without bending her knees at the age of 83 and we could not (everyone knew that). When people spoke about her, it was not Flora it was “Ms. Flo” and if you asked anyone did they know her the response would have been, “who Flora and Dora are you talking about the twins”? Flora was known by many people. She was highly active in the civic community throughout the years in East St. Louis. Her favorite song was “Only the Strong Survive” and that was indicative of who she was. She taught her children and grandchildren to be strong, that was her legacy to us. Her favorite scripture was (KJV) Psalms (121; 1, 2). Flora Tucker leaves to cherish her memories her sons, Walter L. Tucker, Reginald (Sandy) Tucker, daughters JoAnn (Pete)Wade, Sheila (Leroy)Lawrence all of Springfield, IL. Darlene Tucker-Cannon of Belleville, IL. and Bernadette (Randy) Tucker of East St. Louis, IL, one Daughter-in-Law JoAnn Tucker of Cahokia, IL., one brother Dr. Howard F. Swonigan of Beavercreek, OH. 21 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren , 17 great- great grandchildren, one play son Gerald Nave and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.