Claudia M. Tucker Honored

Mrs. Claudia Tucker flashes a big smile at her appreciation dinner. Photo: Eureka Wright

The greatest gift anyone can give is of their time and love.

Mrs. Claudia M. Tucker was honored in a celebration of her life as a magnificent, profound, and sincere person who has been an inspiration to all of us.

On April 18, 2015, at the Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church in Asheville, Mrs. Tucker had an opportunity to enjoy the flowers she deserved while she could enjoy them, and received numerous accolades for the years she has given honestly of her time, talents, gifts, and limitless respect to her family, friends, church, organizations, and her community.

The beautiful program, with Rev. Ronald Sullivan as the Master of Ceremonies, began at 6 p.m. under the theme “This is Your Life.” The evening was a celebration of leadership and service that Mrs. Tucker has rendered over the years, and it brought together more than 300 family members and friends from all over the United States.

The Banquet Hall, beautifully decorated in black and white, was the setting for the delicious food catered by Faith Bakery. Tributes and praises abounded, including music by The Men of Integrity and solos by Mr. Steven Blount, the Suber family, and others.

At the end of the evening Mrs. Tucker’s daughter, Ms. Patricia “Tina” Flowers, made a lovely presentation, announcing, “I feel my mother needs to get away from all her activities and rest, so I’m sending mom and dad a much deserved vacation—far away!”

The Tucker Family (L-R): Joshua Tucker, Charlie Tucker, Claudia Tucker, Patricia “Tina” Tucker, Charles Tucker, III, Lisa Tucker, Duane Oates. Front: Great-grands: Amiah, Natilla, Toj, and Jo-Jo. Photo: Eureka Wright

Mrs. Claudia Morgan-Tucker is the sixth of eight siblings and has been an attribute to her entire family all of her life. A graduate of Stephens-Lee High School, she studied nursing and received a diploma in practical nursing from A-B Tech, and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for Mission Hospital, the Buncombe County Health Department, and Dr. Otis. B. Michael, a specialist in internal medicine.

Then Mrs. Tucker decided to make a career change and become an entrepreneur, and she opened the well-regarded TLC Florist, where she worked until retirement. But even now, she and her husband Charlie stay active and enterprising: together they operate T. C. Enterprises, a mobile home park.

“If it needs to be done, she’ll be the one to do it!” said Ms. Sophie Dixon, a lifelong friend. “She embodies the sentiments of a poem by poet Edgar Guest,” said Claudia’s daughter Patricia. In his poem, “Somebody Said that It Couldn’t Be Done,” but, no matter what, she does it!” said Patricia.

Community members from Asheville, Buncombe County, and afar, gather to pay tribute to Mrs. Claudia M. Tucker, an outstanding community member. Photo: Eureka Wright

Claudia is the wife of Charlie Tucker, Sr., mother of two, grandmother of two, and great-grandmother of six. She also serves as Administrator and Advisor for Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, past Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Choir Director, Program Chairperson, Usher President, and as a member of many other church organizations.

Her civic involvements include the Federation of Negro Women’s Clubs, Inc.; Youth and Young Adults, Local Vice President and President/District Vice President and President/State President Elect and President; Member of the Local and State NAACP; Life Member and Past Treasurer of the SE Committee and National Devotional Team; and past member of the Skyview Golf Association.

Mrs. Tucker is also an active member of the Masonic organization, Daughters of Zion, Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter #2, and is an integral part of the subordinate chapter, the Grand Chapter and the National Chapter. Her position as Grand Worthy Matron has propelled North Carolina Masonic Orders to excellence at the national level, and numerous awards and accolades have been given since her acceptance.

Among her many awards and accolades are:

1979-1980 – In Appreciation as President TBGC

1985 – Minority Woman of the Year Award

1985 – Outstanding Service Award, 25th Class Reunion, Stephens-Lee Class of 1960

1990 – Outstanding Service Award, President, WNC Florists Association

1992 – Minority Entrepreneur of the Year Award

1993 – Scottish Rite Award from Beta Sorority

1999 – Elk of the Year Award

2000 – TMBC Appreciation Award

2001 – Stephens-Lee Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee Award

2006 – National OES Chapter Life Member Award

2006 – Outstanding Service Award OES

2008 – Pink Lady Award, NC Federation of Negro Women’s Clubs

2008 – Certificate of Appreciation OES President, National Matron’s Council

2008-2010 – President’s Award, NC Federation of Negro Women

2013 – Outstanding Service Award OES, SE Region

Buncombe County and the communities of Asheville offer our thanks to Mrs. Claudia M. Tucker. It is her example of fellowship and responsibility to humanity that will inspire all to be a greater people. For everything you have done, Congratulations!

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