Bess Tucker, born in Austin, TX April 22, 1944, passed away at 76 from a hemorrhagic stroke, on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. She was camping and fishing at Navarro Mills with her husband of 58 years. They had both just shared some laughter about one of their many inside jokes and told each other, "I love you."
She had many names and nicknames to those that knew and loved her to include: wife, Mom, Memaw, Meme, Flag Lady, Ms Red, White, & Blue, Ms America, and Lady Liberty. It was difficult to find her not wearing something red, white, and blue. It was her way of dealing with what happened on 9/11 and her way of showing her love of her country, and her support of our troops, and veterans. She had several family members that served in the military and a grandson that is currently serving in the armed forces as a paratrooper that she was so proud of. She marched in the local Veterans Day Parade with the Vietnam Veterans for many years. She sent thank you packages to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan on a regular basis.
Bess was member of Central United Methodist Church in Waco. She was also a member of McLennan County Veterans Association, McLennan County Republican Women, and Altrusa of the Brazos, Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, Friends for Life, and she provided the noon meal for the volunteers at Habitat for Humanity once a month. She retired from TSTC with 29 years of service and left a lot of friends that she was fond of at TSTC. She frequented the Treasure City Flea Market and always enjoyed her friends there while shopping.
She leaves behind her one and only, the love of her life, Joseph (Buddy) Tucker of Hallsburg. Her son, Gary Tucker of Austin, her grandson Travis, his wife Sonia, her great-grandchildren, Lily and Milo. Her daughter, Carol Jackson of Lorena, her son-in-law Bill Jackson, her granddaughter Callie, and grandson Nolan. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she was so excited to be blessed with great-grandchildren. She leaves behind two sisters and three brothers, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
She would like for Buddy to always remember that he is expected to carry on without her and she will see him "Just Beyond the Moon" (Tex Ritter).
In lieu of flowers, she requests a donation to the Hope for the Warriors Foundation (hopeforthewarriors.org)
Condolences(32)
Lora Sims
Waco, TX Wednesday, August 5, 2020 I have missed Bess since she retired from TSTC. We did our share of walking around the school and track for 30 min each day. A truly wonderful Lady!Sofie De Wandel
Waco, TX Wednesday, August 5, 2020 I was a lifeguard for the YMCA and Mrs. Bessie was always there once we reopened after the initial COVID shut down. She stood out for her Red, White, and Blue outfits, her smile, and her stories of camping and fishing. While I only had the opportunity to get to know Mrs. Bessie in the short past few months, her positive attitude and stories always brightened everyone's day. My deepest sympathies and prayers to her family; I can only imagine the impact she had on your lives in comparison to the small one she had on mine.Sam and Nancy Erwin
Waco, TX Sunday, August 2, 2020 Bessie will be missed. We have know her over 50 years. her smilig face will be missedVicki
Waco, TX Sunday, August 2, 2020 We will miss BESS our Red white & blue water aerobicsMember at the Waco YMCA ❤️
Abby Garrett
Waco, TX Sunday, August 2, 2020 I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful lady and this is a beautiful tribute. Praying the family is able to find comfort and healing during this difficult time.Mary Sewell
WACO, TX Saturday, August 1, 2020 To the family of Bess Tucker,Carol and family, I was so shocked and saddened to see this in our church newsletter this morning and then to find it was "our Bess." I am so terribly sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed. Please know that you are all in my prayers.
🙏🙏❤️❤️
Mary Sewell
Waco
Mary Sewell
WACO, TX Saturday, August 1, 2020 To the family of Bess Tucker,Carol and family, I was so shocked and saddened to see this in our church newsletter this morning and then to find it was "our Bess." I am so terribly sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed. Please know that you are all in my prayers.
🙏🙏❤️❤️
Mary Sewell
Waco
Wayne and Nancy Backeen
Waco, TX Friday, July 31, 2020 We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Bess was such a delight to know at TSTC, but also at Treasure City Flea Market and as a hostess at WalMart sampling booths. I know you will have many beautiful memories to get your through your loss.bob davis
Waco, TX Friday, July 31, 2020 Thank you Bess for asking me to walk the Veterans Parade with you a few times. It made me proud to be there... Thank you for loving our country and showing it for many years. We all will miss you and will be praying for your Family.Marilynn&Ernest McCraw
CDA, ID Friday, July 31, 2020 My deepest sympathy to the family left behind due to the loss of the beloved "BESS" . This sudden unexpected loss is a mind shaking reminder of just how much each and everyone of us should look to the GOOD LORD. And treasure each passing moment until we can all be together once again🌈Michelle
Waco, TX Friday, July 31, 2020 Bess will be so missed at the Y!! She always made us smile, no matter what our day was like she brought joy to ours!!I'm wearing red white and blue today in honor of u!!🥰🇺🇸🙏🏻
Tami Nehring
Riesel, TX Thursday, July 30, 2020 Bess was one of the first friends I made while working at TSTC. She "showed me the ropes" on how to get things done around there while always proudly wearing her red, white and blue attire ! May the Lord give you peace and comfort now and in the days ahead and May she Rest In Peace. Always a friendly and delightful lady, I'm sure she will be greatly missed.Michael and Theresa Hagan
Waco, TX Thursday, July 30, 2020 Bess, we will miss you at the flea market. Such a bright spot in our world. Prayers of comfort for the family. So sorry for your loss. God's blessings to all.Ovida Williams
Waco, TX Thursday, July 30, 2020 I will miss that sweet smile, vibrant personality and your 'red, white, and blue'. We missed you from our Altrusa of the Brazos club. May you rest in peace.Lana Anderson
Waco, TX Thursday, July 30, 2020 I knew this sweet and caring lady when we worked at TSTC . She was ahappy lady who was very special. Condolences to her family.
Lilly Engleman
Waco, TX Thursday, July 30, 2020 Sorry for your loss. Bess was such a nice lady. When my husband was alive he looked forward to talking to her at the flea market. They talked about everything from kids to politics. He would be sad to learn of her passing.Kay adcock
Elm mott, TX Thursday, July 30, 2020 Fly with the Angels my sweet friend.you were truly an angel on earth...I'm going to miss your smiling face and our many talks about our camping experiences..till we meet again..Kathy Jobe
Crawford, TX Thursday, July 30, 2020 Always a smile on her face and love for all in her heart. She will be sorely missed. Everyone adored our red white and blue lady. Prayers for her family.Beverly Early O'Keefe
Waco, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 Buddy, I am so saddened to learn about Bess passing away. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. Please know that you and your family sill be in my prayers.Please feel my hugs!Lorretta Cooey
Waco, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 She was a beautiful lady, inside and out. I know I'll see her in heaven one day.Darrel Phillips
Eastland, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 Bess was always such a delight. One of the funniest and sweetest people I know. I had the great opportunity to be her Pastor at Elm Mott UMC in the early 2000's. Her love for her country and her God were outstanding! Prayers to her family in this great time of loss. Her's is truly a life to be celebrated.Gary and Janie Brewer
Mart, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 Hello Buddy and Family,We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We are so sorry to hear of Bessie's passing. She was such a sweet lady and friend. Love to you and the children.
Ute Roden
Waco, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 Charles and I love you! May the Lord keep you and your Family in his arms and wipe all the tears away. He will bring you peace and love and help you get over your loss. Love, Ute RodenKaren and George Foster
Alamo, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 Buddy, Gary Wayne and Carol Ann - Sincere condolences for you for the abrupt loss of your wife/mom. I know you will miss her immensely. Will not be able to attend, but our thoughts and prayers are with your family.Twila Grimland
Waco, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 Bess was such a beautiful woman inside and out. She always had a big smile and a sweet spirit. I will miss her dearly. Heavens a little brighter today because BESS is certainly there!!! See you when i get home my dear friend, Twila GrimlandRenee Bohannon
Waco, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 To Bessie's family: No matter what kind of a day I may be having, when I would look up and see Bess walk through the doors of the YMCA, it always got better. She was a true joy and light in this world. She will be greatly missed by the staff and members of the Waco Family YMCA.Charles Gonzales
Hewitt, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 Buddy,So sorry for you loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all.
Pam Story
Waco, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 Oh Bess, you will be missed so much. I do not have enough words to describe what a wonderful person you were. You will be so missed.Barbara Pratt
Moody, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 I haven't seen Bess in a long time. I walked many-a-mile across TSTC's campus with Bess during our lunch time sessions. No matter the weather we would take a walk. I loved her patriotism. My condolences to the family.Liz Gomez
Waco, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 I will miss our visits and conversations while swimming at the Y, You were truly a good friend,and I will deeply miss you,THE FLAG LADY.Janie Vicinais
Waco, TX Wednesday, July 29, 2020 To the family of Bess Tucker,My most heartfelt condolences on the loss of dear Bess. I met Bess at TSTC. She was a kind soul and always a friend to me. I will miss her.
Harlan Dempsey
Scottsdale, AZ Tuesday, July 28, 2020 So sorry for the loss of Bessie your wonderful wife, mother, grandmother. Her duty and loyalty to family and Country is inspiring to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Buddy and the family. God bless you all.Love, Harlan, Heather, Kim, JoAnn, and Brandon