Sarah Dean (Banks) Tucker

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)     It was because of her steadfast faith in this Truth, that our beloved Mother and Grammy has been received into the loving arms of her dear Savior. Sarah Dean Banks Tucker, age 90, was surrounded by her family when she transitioned to her heavenly Home on September 17, 2018.     Mrs. Tucker was the daughter of the late Harmon and Martha E. Banks. She was a graduate of Baxter Seminary and received an Associate of Arts degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College. In addition, she received a B.S. degree from E.T.S.U. and completed her post-graduate studies at Cortland State, Cortland, NY; William Smith and Hobert College, Geneva, NY; M.T.S.U., Murfreesboro, TN; and Scarritt College, Nashville, TN. Mrs. Tucker was a member of the National Honor Society, Eta Upsilon Gamma Sorority, and Phi Kappa Honor Fraternity. She taught English in Middle Tennessee and New York State. Mrs. Tucker served as a bibliographer at the E.T.S.U. Library from 1962-1967. Before retiring from Science Hill in 1994, she served as an English assistant for twenty-five years. She was an active member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, where she served on the Administrative Board of Trustees, the Music Committee, the New Member Prospect Committee, and as a Bible teacher for Circle 9. Mrs. Tucker was a member of the Solon Gentry Sunday School class, where she served as a pianist for several years.     Second only to her lifelong commitment to the Lord Jesus, was her total devotion to loving her family well. Her life was most fulfilled through her holy calling as a wife, mother and grandmother.     She was preceded in death by three husbands: Dr. Richard W. Harter, Wilbur T. Kent, and Milan R. Tucker, as well as one brother, Bud William Banks, and one sister, Johanna Banks Howard.     Survivors include: two daughters, Diane Harter (Dennis) Strege of Alcoa, and Denise Harter (Tim) Bridges of Johnson City; one stepson, Phillip (Bonnie) Kent of Atlanta, GA.; seven grandchildren, Emily (Jonathan) Kenney, and Alex Strege of Alcoa, Aaron (Megan) Strege of Maryville, Amanda (Marcus) Myers of Colorado Springs, CO, Angelica, Austin, and Gloria Bridges of Johnson City; and one nephew, Dr. Harry Howard of Maryville.     Before Mama lost her beloved Milan, it had been his greatest desire that she be lovingly cared for. The following did so in the most beautiful ways. Denise and Tim, both of our parents will ever be indebted to you for so faithfully fulfilling this wish over and beyond anything imaginable. Avalon Hospice, we are deeply grateful to you for the sacred ministry of care you gave to our Mama in the days prior to her Homegoing. Yours is a blessed and holy calling. And to our Dominion Senior Living family… words cannot convey our immeasurable appreciation for the indelible imprint of joy, companionship, and love each of you engraved upon our Mama’s heart, scripting her final chapter with the utmost beauty and grace. In the midst of your Kingdom work, may you ever hear the echo of our Father’s Words: “…Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. “ (Matthew 25: 40)     The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 22, from 11:00am- 12:30pm at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:30pm with the graveside service to follow at Monte Vista Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dominion Senior Living or Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church.     “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER.” (Psalm 23:6)     To God be the glory for the gift of this precious life.Memories and condolences may be sent to the Tucker family at www.appfh.net. Appalachian Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 800, E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, is serving the Tucker family. (423) 928-6111.Read Obituary