Sarah Alice Smith

Sarah Alice Tucker-Smith, beloved mother of Wayne Tucker and Sabra Tucker, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024, at 93 years old, with her best friend and soulmate Frankie and son Wayne at her bedside, at her home in Stockbridge, Georgia. She leaves behind a legacy of happiness and love and touched the lives of all who knew her.

Born on August 28, 1930, to the late Andrew and Lucille Ward Carter, Sarah spent her early years in Nashville, Tennessee. She remembered her family working on the farm in the south. Sarah proudly graduated from what she called “TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY,” a historically Black College rich in the history of graduating black women in the 1950s when it was rare to obtain a college degree. She had a remarkable forty-year career as a childhood educator, culminating in her position as a Director of the Spring Creek Early Childhood Center in Brooklyn in the 1980s. She treated her pre-kindergarten children like they were her own, and many remembered her once they grew up.

Once retired in 1995, Sarah joked that she could now enjoy life. She was iconic as “Forever Young” enjoying her retirement life because “age was just a number to her.” Post-retirement, Sarah explored the wonders of Europe in Paris, Rome, and London, the breathtaking landscapes of Australia, the Great Wall of China, and trips to the charming nooks and crannies of the United States in places like Hawaii and the Grand Canyon. She frequently took time to visit Reuben and Erma Tucker in New Jersey as family was always important.

On the fun side, she enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, watching movies and when she able walking a lot and the reading the bible. But her true passion lay in the warmth of her Christian life and camaraderie of her faith community at First Baptist Church of Crown Heights in Brooklyn, NY. As a member of the First Baptist Women’s ministry, a missionary that enjoyed visiting hospitals, nursing homes and the sick and shut-in, she enjoyed Sundays at the church listening to Pastor Reverend Dr. Clarence Norman Sr. sermons and hearing a lesson from God.

Active in Senior Centers across New York City, she later met her best friend and soulmate, Frankie, through a serendipitous encounter arranged by a senior matchmaker during a bus trip, culminating in a wedding at age 86 with around 200 guests. Frankie and Sarah moved to Stockbridge, Georgia, where they spent their last six years calling home. Sarah enjoyed there van rides through the country roads of Georgia, pointing out the scenery and beautiful trees and attending North Henry Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Stan Jordon. Though Sarah may be gone from our sight, her spirit will forever remain in our hearts, guiding and inspiring us. She was preceded in death by her daughter Sabra.

Sarah will be deeply missed by her best friend and husband Frankie Smith; son Wayne Tucker; brother-in-law Keith (Jean) Smith; sister-in-law MayRose Creque; nephews and nieces Reuben Desmond Tucker, Loretta Jean Tucker, Mildred LaRae Tucker, David Scott Tucker, Derrick Joseph Tucker, Charles (Chantel) Muskelly, Andre (Chakan Jumnenlah) Smith, Ethel Muskelly, Monica Ellington, Camille (Stephen) Mordaunt; cousins Laura Green (like a sister), Linda (Alphanzo) Thomas, Jean (Jamie) Whatley, Milagro Porter, Angelica Muskelly, Lloyd Muskelly, Malcolm Davis, Brandon Muskelly, Amber Ellington, Earnest Ellington III, Sandrian Smith, Victoria Mordaunt; and countless friends.

Rest in peace, Dear Sarah. You will be forever remembered and cherished.