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MR. NAIBAN TUCKER, JR. was born October 14, 1955 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the third of six children born to Nathaniel and Marline Tucker. He was affectionately given the name "TUFFY" by his maternal Grandmother and Grandfather (Lucy Ann and James Edward Foster) and he lived up to his nickname in every way for "65 Years.
Despite what Tuffy experienced throughout his life, he had a heart filled with LOVE, LOYALTY, DETERMINATION, and PERSEVERANCE. He consistently served others, shared words of Wisdom and was an "AMAZING FATHER" to his CHILDREN. Nothing was more important to him than his "GIRLS" and "FAMILY". His LOVE for FAMILY was the joy of his life. Tuffy is preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents and siblings: Calvin Tucker, Shirley Mae Tucker, Clyde "Pokey" Tucker and Loretta Tucker.
He accepted Jesus Christ early in his life and was baptized at Greater Progressive MB Church where his Mother and Grandmother served.
In 1971, he met his "friend for life" Christal Chavis who he ultimately married in 1979 and is the Mother of three of his daughters; ShaLonda, Timika and Keysha. His oldest daughter: Tracy was his early introduction to becoming a Father. Tuffy overcame many challenges throughout his life that became his testimony of the Grace and Mercy of GOD.
Tuffy's ambition to become a professional Painter began in 1973 when he entered the Job Corps where he received high honors and used his skills with passion and excellence. In 1979, he moved his family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he exercised his skills as a professional Painter. In 1981, he and his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he raised his girls and worked at BaldwinWallace College for several years in Maintenance. Tuffy took pride in every project from start to finish.
Tuffy had a giving heart of LOVE for his friends, family and many who were finding their way in life. He never looked down on anyone who was struggling, because he knew personal struggles. He also knew GOD and no matter what, he always acknowledged his FAITH in GOD. Upon his return to St. Louis, he rededicated his life to Christ in 1999 and united with First Baptist Church of Webster Groves, under the leadership of Dr. Wendell Bonner, who he loved and appreciated. He served as the church's maintenance man, crossing guard, grounds keeper and was honored to become a Trustee of the church. He loved his church family and they loved them some "NATHAN". Under Pastor Bonner's leadership, Nathan learned the Grace and Mercy of GOD in a whole new way and he became stronger in FAITH, always acknowledging that no matter what "GOD is GOOD!"
Tuffy was an early riser in the morning and did not think twice about dropping by to check on those he loved. He loved playing cards, driving, taking trips, and talking "smack" with lifelong friends and cousins. His favorite TV show was the "First 48"and he loved listening to TUPAC and Ole Skoal Jams. His laugh was infectious, and his SMILE would light up a room. He always made you feel like "somebody" and encouraged you to: "Keep It Moving", "Make It Happen", "Keep GOD 1st", "Love FAMILY", "Be There For One Another" and "Handle Yo Business".
Tuffy was diagnosed with Liver Cancer in 2019, but he never allowed his illness to keep him from doing the things he loved. His STRENGTH, FAITH, and PERSEVERANCE during his health challenge was demonstrated until the end. He was "TUFFY" through the pain and discomfort.
On Monday, November 9th, 2020 around 2:30pm at his home, surrounded by FAMILY, after his baby brother Vincent arrived, one tear fell from his eye and he transitioned peacefully into the presence of the LORD. He kept the FAITH and FINISHED his earthly assignment leaving behind a LEGACY of VICTORY and MEMORIES that will never die.
WE, mourn his passing, but WE CELEBRATE his "LIFE": Daughters: Tracy Hampton (Demetrius-RIP), Shalonda Tucker (Orlando" Big O" -RIP), Timika Tucker (Reshad), and Keysha Tucker; Wife/Friend for Life: Christal Tucker, Baby Brother; Vincent D. Tucker; Paw Paw's Grandkids: Craig, Greg (RIP), Michael (RIP),James, Marshawn, Keivon, Saivon, Jalisha, Tayvion, Rajon, Atorian, Jada, Amon, Amia, Demetrius, T aya, and Rionne; Nephews: Byron, Tyrie, Torrey, Brandon, Ondray, Tramaine, Tevin; Nieces: Nachel, Sherrita, Shantay, Sabrina, Momay, Marline; A "GANG" of Great and Great Great Nieces and Nephews; Uncle: James T. Foster; Aunt: Catha Tucker; Special Aunts: Ann Williams and Vivian Wright "The Boys" (Since Childhood): Richard McAlpine (Hardbop), "Fat" Jerry Hebb, Jake Brock, Ricardo Major and Darryl Newburn The Cards Crew/Cousins: Geneva Hammonds, Albert" Duck" Royston, Dorothy Royston, Diane Whitaker, and Cookie; Cousins: Roy L Foster (Steve)/Sherry, David E. Byrd (Sonny), Derrick Byrd ( Greg), Charlene Byrd, Geraldine Byrd; Special Bonus Brother: Lynn Turner Our Family Dogs: Benjamin &: Dash Host of Cousins, Family, Extended Family and Friends in St. Louis; Cleveland, Ohio; Holly Springs, Mississippi; and Birmingham, Alabama.
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