Cortez Hickman Tucker of Tifton passed peacefully from this life to her Heavenly home on Monday, June 13, 2016. She was 94 years old. She was received into heaven by her Savior, Jesus Christ, Whom she faithfully followed and served all of her life.
A celebration of life for Mrs. Tucker will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 16, 2016, in the First Baptist Church of Tifton Sanctuary with Dr. Wayne Roe and the Rev. Mark Myers officiating. Mrs. Tucker will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery with the Rev. Paul Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, Jun 16, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service in the Sanctuary of Tifton’s First Baptist Church.
Mrs. Tucker’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Serenity Sunday school class and the Joyful Sound Choir of Tifton’s First Baptist Church.
Mrs. Tucker was born October 18, 1921 in Turner County, the daughter of the late Raymond D. Hickman and Milber Baker Hickman. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jack E. Tucker, to whom she was married for 56 wonderful years; and her daughter, Bonnie Sirmans.
She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her life focused around her large, loving family. From her children to her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews, she cared about each and every one of them. Their love for her filled her heart with joy and made her feel special.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Tifton for 67 years. She participated in many Senior Ministry activities through the years and was a part of the Joyful Sound Choir. She was a faithful member of the Serenity Sunday School class.
Her love of cooking and serving others led her to the position as church hostess of First Baptist for nearly 20 years. There were always good meals, friendly fellowship and flowers from her garden on Wednesday nights and special occasions. She was recognized by the Pink Lady Auxiliary for 1,500 volunteer hours at Tift Regional Medical Center. Her faithfulness and caring attitude were evident in her assistance to Staff and patients alike. Tez enjoyed fishing at the pond and would gladly share her skills and secrets of catching the “big ones”! Her other interests included playing cards with many life-long friends, flower and vegetable gardening and sewing.
She will be missed by her children, Sandra and Wayne Matthews, Carol and Calvin Rewis, Gina and Duane Melton, and Jimmy and Shelley Sirmans; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Dan and Julie Matthews, Jared, Zach and Jade, and Tucker; Craig and Joy Matthews, Samantha and Grant; Brent and Angela Rewis, Greysen and Haley; Barry and Anne Rewis, Tanner and Tate; Ches and Heidi Melton, Max and Delia; Cara and Scott Goodwin, Katie and Audrey; Corey and Brooke Melton, Jackson and Tucker. Mandy and Scott Hughes, Emma Hutner, Elijah and Georgia, Cade and Jennifer Sirmans
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support shown in many heartfelt forms from family, friends, neighbors, caregivers and Southern Care Hospice.
Memorial gifts honoring Mrs. Tucker’s life may be made to the new kitchen fund of First Baptist Church, 404 Love Avenue, Tifton, GA 31794.