Betty Barrett Tucker

Ever grateful for her Texas Panhandle heritage, Betty was born in Pampa, Texas, April 25, 1930 to the late Ruth Madden and Clarence Neal Barrett, and went to be with her Lord, February 3, 2015. She fought the good fight, while never losing her sweet smile and optimistic spirit. Betty was educated in Pampa through the eleventh grade before moving to Dallas. She graduated from Highland Park High School in 1948, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Costume Design at Southern Methodist University. Betty had a brief career in clothing design before marrying Gordon Tucker in 1953. They made their home in Dallas and started a life together. She took delight in establishing a beautiful and loving home for her family. Her faith was of the utmost importance to her and was reflected and centered on the love of family, many friends, her church, and community. As a teenager she joined Highland Park Presbyterian Church and continued as a lifelong member. Her church activities included working with the HPPC Day School, the Hillier School, attending Church Circle, and being an active member of the Elliott Class. Betty’s love of community was exemplified through frequent use of her artistic talents in serving special needs children and creating various costumes for events. She served on the Brain Health Center Board and was involved with Schreiner University. She delighted in her regular meetings with her April Birthday group, Mary Craig class, and Saturday lunch bunch. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband of forty-four years, Gordon Gano Tucker. She is survived by her four children, fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: Libby and Ben Albritton, and their children Robert, Brannon, and John and wife Stephanie Albritton; Bill Tucker and children Martha and husband Josh Ayers, and their children Evan, Lucy and Benjamin, Abbie and husband Scott Burka, and Daniel Tucker; Lyn and husband Steve Koch, and their children Tucker and wife Lauren, and their children, Kellen, and Bryson, Barrett and wife Natalie, Taylor and wife Kelsey, Cavanaugh and wife Kelsey, and Kendrick Koch; John Tucker, and children John Jr., Will, Matthew, and Michael Tucker. She is also survived by her sister Ruth Barrett Hempel and her children Robert and Emily Hempel, cousin Bill Madden, and nephews Rick Tucker, Bob Blakeney and Tom Blakeney. Visitation will be 5-7pm Thursday, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be 2pm Friday at Highland Park Presbyterian Church. In Betty’s honor, donations may be made to The Center for Brain Health, Hillier School at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, Austin Street Shelter, or the charity of your choice.