Dorothy “Dottie” Elizabeth Tucker, long time resident of Nacogdoches, Texas, at age 103 was called home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 5, 2022. She passed away at Sunrise Senior Living in Frisco, Texas, where she resided for the past few years, but she never lost her unrelenting love for the Lord and enthusiasm for spreading The Gospel. Dottie was born on October 2, 1918, in New York City to Anna Fredrica (Davis) and Olin Thorton Hanna. Dottie attended Wheaton College. She was introduced to Billy Tucker through her great friend Emily Mast Middlebrook, a submarine lieutenant during WWII, on the steps of her church in New York City. They later married in Scarsdale Westchester, NY, on November 12, 1945. Billy and Dottie soon moved to Billy’s hometown of Nacogdoches, Texas.
As some of the earliest members of Grace, Dottie and Billy were the hands and feet of Jesus in many ways. They both loved and served the family of God selflessly all the days of their lives with a steadfast commitment to the Scriptures. Having inspired countless generations with their faithfulness, they made the Gospel the centerpiece of their lives. Dottie’s love for and dependence of the Word of God guided her life and her heart. It was truly a lamp to her feet and a light to her path. (Psalm 119) Now at last, she is standing before the Word Himself, her dearest hope realized.
Sharing that hope was also dear to Dottie’s heart, as she worked to advance God’s work on the mission field. A Tuesday morning prayer group met at Grace Bible Church and later at Dottie’s house for many years focusing on missions and the spread of the gospel around the world. This was not a social event, but a time of serious business with the Lord that impacted the Kingdom of God. Dottie continued to lead this group, even at age 100, and it continues today as her legacy.
Dottie embraced her gift of hospitality, using her home and her resources to love others in the name of Christ. She often hosted missionaries, held special occasions and birthday luncheons, and welcome others for a meal. For decades she invited newly met college students home from church to partake in homecooked meal and her “famous” Jell-O salads. Spending time generously with younger women, she is counted as mentor by many.
Age did not diminish Dottie’s passion for the Lord or her commitment to serve Him. She maintained her sharp focus on God’s will and his purpose for her all the days she sojourned on earth, never losing her wit, her joy or her tenacity.
Dottie is survived by her daughter Theodora Butts and her husband, John of Frisco; her son William Tucker of Addison, Texas; her son-in-law Mike Chandler, husband of Elizabeth Ann Chandler of Nacogdoches, Texas; five grandchildren, Trey Butts, Robin Rasberry, Jason Chandler, Andrew Chandler, Abby Crossland; her nine beloved great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild. She is also survived by many loving friends in the family of God.
Dottie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Billy Porter Tucker; her daughter Elizabeth “Betsi” Ann Chandler; and parents Anna and Olin Hanna.
There will be a celebration of her life and her Savior for family and friends to take place at Grace Bible Church in Nacogdoches, Texas in the sanctuary at 2pm on March 27, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Grace Bible Church Missions Fund to continue the Gospel work Dottie loved so much.