Carolyn Tucker

Carolyn (Fondy) Tucker was born December 23, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas to parents Joe Bailey and Juanita Catherine (Skeen) Fondy.  She spent her early years in Slaton, Texas (a West Texas town south of Lubbock). Carolyn was one of five children, and their parents owned a boot, shoe, and leathercraft shop.

She loved horses from early childhood and spent as much time as possible on her Shetland pony named Nubbin and later on her paint horse named Dixie.  She even rode in the barrel races at age 15 in the Post, Texas Junior Rodeo.  By then, she was riding her neighbor’s two horses. At home, there were plenty of assigned chores to go around since her family grew their own garden, raised chickens, and had a milk cow named Elsie.  However, Carolyn always found time to ride horses.  One of her fondest memories was to pack her lunch, saddle her horse, and ride out into the country by herself for the day.

Playing the clarinet in the band and excelling in school were her favorite accomplishments.  Carolyn and Ted, her brother) both skipped the 1st grade since their mother had taught them at home (no pre-school or kindergarten back then).  She graduated as Valedictorian at age 16.  From there, she went to Texas Tech for one year and played in the Tech Band and her mother made their uniforms.  Very early, Carolyn (age 4) and Ted (age 6) paired up as mascots of the Texas Tech Band.

At age 17, Carolyn married Joe Tucker and together they had two daughters, Lea Ann and Tracy.  During this time, both she and Joe earned their college degrees.  Carolyn graduated from the University of New Mexico and began her teaching career; 7th grade English for 2 years at Harrison Junior High in Albuquerque, New Mexico, then 9 years of teaching English, writing, and reading at R.L. Turner High School in the Carrollton/Farmers Branch ISD.

Sadly, during this time, Joe and Carolyn divorced and she moved to Dallas.  After both daughters graduated, she made a career change and worked in the corporate world for the next 35 years.  After being retired for 2 years, Carolyn worked the next 9 years as part-time assistant to the Senior Adult Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.  After retiring from her “retirement job” at Prestonwood, she continued to work with Alan Moore (Sr. Adult Pastor) as volunteer coordinator in the Sr. to Sr. letter writing program.

Carolyn credits her love of learning, music, and the Lord to her mother, who taught her children at home from a young age.  Her mother earned extra money doing leathercraft at home for the public, in order to give her children piano lessons.  (Yes, Carolyn rode her horse to her lessons). She always took Carolyn and her siblings with her to church for all services and events.  At age 9, Carolyn walked down the aisle at an outdoor summer revival at Slaton’s First Methodist Church and gave her life to Jesus Christ.  This was a decision that sustained her throughout her life.

Carolyn’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are what made life worth living.

She is survived by her daughters Lea Ann Wilson and her husband Steve, and Tracy Lynn Hendrix and her husband Randy; 7 grandchildren Ryan Hendrix and his wife Crystal, Kelly Bennett and her husband Wes, Jay Benson and his ex-wife Ashley, Rachel Berry and her husband Jonathan, David Benson, Stephanie Vares and her husband Josh, and Shelby Wilson and 12 great grandchildren, Lilly, Max, Macy, Cade, Joey, Anthony, Logan, Julian, Madison, Benson, Avery, Cameron and Colton; brother Mike Fondy, and many nieces, nephews and friends.  Her parents and 3 other siblings, Ted, Betty and Pat are holding a place for her in Heaven.

The family will receive friends for a visitation from 6-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

There will be a memorial service at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W Park Blvd, Plano, Texas with Seniors Pastor Alan Moore officiating.

Carolyn will be laid to rest in Slaton, Texas where she grew up.

If desired, contributions may be made in Carolyn’s name to Prestonwood PowerPoint Ministry.