Betty Jean Tucker, age 92, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, met Jesus face to face on November 13, 2024, after battling Parkinson’s Disease the last several years. She was born August 18, 1932, in Splitlog, Missouri, the first child of Arzy “Lee” and Elsie Chandler Bergen. She was joined by brothers Richard Lee, Gerald, and Dennis. She grew up in the Splitlog community with her loving family, then moved to Gravette, Arkansas, to attend high school at Gravette Holiness Bible School. It was there that she met James “David” Tucker, and they were married on June 27, 1951, in Neosho, Missouri. Together, they raised their 6 children while pastoring churches in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, California, and Missouri.
Betty’s family always came first. She was a loving mother, and worked hard to care for her children while David was away as a traveling evangelist. Despite being a busy pastor’s wife, and having several small children, she began taking college courses at Fort Scott Community College. She went on to graduate from Pittsburg State University with a degree in Education. One of Betty’s favorite titles was “Teacher.” Her teaching career spanned 39 years and several schools, primarily Fort Scott Christian Heights and El Dorado Christian School. She was a gifted educator and influenced countless students through the years.
Betty had a green thumb, and loved to work outside with her flowers and vegetable garden. She maintained this hobby into her late-80’s. She loved to can and preserve the bounty of her labor.
Betty was always busy. She worked hard in everything she did. She shared the love of Jesus with everyone she met, both in her words and in her actions. She and David had a special love, and were often found holding hands. She has missed him desperately since his passing in 2021, and we find comfort in knowing that they are together again, worshiping at the feet of Jesus, Whom they loved so well.
Betty will be lovingly remembered by her family, including sons Roger (Genie) Tucker of Independence, Missouri, Mark (Brenda) Tucker, Joe (Belinda) Tucker, daughter-in-law Carolyn Tucker, all of Fort Scott, and daughter Kerri (Kirk) Bland of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; her grandchildren: Jonathan, Jessica, Johanna, Jennifer, Whitney, Bethany, Mariam, Aaron, Landon, Jayce, Dakota, TJ, Kasi, Alyson, Joely, Monica, and Miles, and numerous great-grandchildren, that she loved so much. She is also survived by her brother, Dennis (Charlene) Bergen of Splitlog, Missouri, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Awaiting her arrival in Heaven were her husband David, son, Jimmy, and daughter, Carma; her parents, Lee and Elsie, and brothers Richard Lee and Gerald, along with a host of family and friends. Betty lived her life prepared for eternity. She finished her race well.
Rev. Dennis Bergen and Rev. Kyle Rogers will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Following services, a graveside service will be held at 3:30 PM at the Banner Nazarene Church in Splitlog, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott Christian Heights School or El Dorado Christian School, and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main Street or PO Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
