Jennifer Shantel Tucker

Published 11:57 pm Thursday, October 30, 2014

Jennifer Shantel Tucker was born November 13, 1992 in Valdosta, Georgia to Jeannie Simpson Tucker and the late Jack Tucker, Jr.

 She was educated in the Valdosta City School and was a member of the 2011 graduating class of Valdosta High.  As a youth, Jennifer loved school. She was a super student.  She was in the Gifted Student Program, Chorus, Drama Club, Southeast Singers and the Lomax Pinevale Dancers.  She was full of life and energy. At age 10, Jennifer, our bright-eyed, loving and outgoing sweetheart, contracted Eastern Equine Encephalitis from a mosquito bite.  Though the virus, took away most of her physical abilities, it was not able to take away her joy.

 As an adult, Jennifer, who was affectionately called “Big Mama” by her mother, still possessed her bright smile and irreplaceable warm spirit.  Jennifer was different, she was special, unique in a thousand ways.

 God put His loving arms around Jennifer and whispered, “Come with Me”, Monday, October 27, 2014.

 In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by her grandparents: James Straughter, Sr., Jeannie Mae Gaitor, Jack Tucker, Sr., and Katie Mae Tucker; and two aunts: Ruthie Stanley and Mary T. Head.

 Jennifer leaves wonderful memories to her loving and devoted mother: Jeannie Tucker of Valdosta, GA; three sisters: Mary Katherine Tucker of Jacksonville, FL, Jacqueline Mann (Joe) of Sarasota, FL and Carla Cole of Valdosta, GA;  six brothers: Jackson LaVale Tucker (Vanquita Gibson) of Valdosta, GA, Marcus Tyrone Tucker (Carlyn Purefoy) of Jacksonville, FL, Michael Bennett of Valdosta, GA, George Tucker (Renita) of Valdosta, GA, Larry Tucker (Poa) of FL, and Lonnie Tucker of Valdosta, GA; one uncle: Nathaniel Tucker (Ida); one step-sister: Lenora Barnes (Alfred); two nephews: Jackson LaVale Tucker, Jr. and Jakyle Dewayne Tucker; special cousins: Steven Straughter, Sr. and Erick Crawford; her caretaker: Lori White; devoted family friends: Charlotte and Jaida Brown;  Dr. Kimberly Megow, Dr. Brian Griner, and host of family and friends.

 The celebration of life for the late Jennifer Shantel Tucker will be held Saturday, November 1, 2014, at 11 a.m., from the sanctuary of the St. John A.M.E. Church, 800 W. Magnolia St., Valdosta.  Rev. Kelly Faulk is pastor and Rev. George Vereen will officiate. Interment will follow in the Riverview Memorial Gardens.

Public viewing will be held at Godfrey Funeral Home today from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.godfreyfuneralhome.net. —Godfrey Funeral Home, LLC