Nina Lucille Tucker's Obituary
Nina Lucile Tucker, a beloved resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on January 31, 2024, at Hillcrest South Hospital. She was 86 years old. Born on August 7, 1937, in Fort Deposit, Alabama, Nina was the daughter of David Perdue Sr. and Celie (Webb) Perdue.
Her life was marked by resilience, compassion, and a commitment to service.
Nina’s journey took her across states and educational institutions. She graduated from George Washington Carver High School on May 28, 1956, and then pursued higher education. She earned an Associates Degree from Mesa Junior College in San Diego, CA. Later, she continued her studies at San Diego State University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in May 1980. Her thirst for knowledge led her to complete a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the same university in May 1988.
Nina’s professional path was equally remarkable. She began her career as a caseworker with the Salvation Army in San Diego, CA, during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Subsequently, she worked with Child Protective Services in San Diego County as a dedicated Child Protective Services Case Worker until the summer of 1988. In August 1988, Nina joined Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a Social Work Professor in the Behavioral Sciences Department. Her impact on students and colleagues was impactful, and she was honored with the title of “Professor Emeritus” upon her retirement in May 2008. Nina’s passion for education extended beyond ORU; she also taught various Social Work and Behavioral Science courses at Tulsa Community College (TCC).
Nina’s personal life was rich with experiences. While her husband, Douglas Lewis Tucker, served in the Navy, they were stationed in Pensacola, Florida, and Jacksonville, Florida, before settling in San Diego, California. In 1988, Nina made Tulsa her home, where she remained until her passing in January 2024.
Growing up as a young adult in Montgomery, Alabama, Nina often attended meetings at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church where Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was the Pastor. She was honored to shake his hand and extend greetings to him following many of his messages. Along with many in her community, Nina was an active participant in the Montgomery Bus Boycott which began on December 5, 1955, and lasted until December 20, 1956. She was also involved with other students in activities surrounding the Lunch Counter “sit ins.” While Nina was not personally acquainted with Rosa Parks, it was not unusual for her to see Mrs Parks riding her same bus on many occasions. Consequently, she remembered well the historic incident involving Mrs. Parks that initiated the Civil Rights Movement.
Beyond her professional achievements, Nina found joy in simple pleasures. She loved bowling, enjoyed visits to the beach, and appreciated the serenity of mountains.
Nina was predeceased by her parents, David Perdue Sr. and Celie Webb Perdue, and her eleven siblings (of whom she was the twelfth and youngest). She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Randolph (and son-in- law, Terry Randolph Sr.) of Warner Robins, Georgia; her daughter Chené Tucker, of Bixby, Oklahoma; her grandson Terry Randolph Jr. (and spouse Damaris Randolph) of Bixby, Oklahoma; her grandson Anthony Randolph (and spouse Lauree Randolph) of Jenks, Oklahoma; her granddaughter, Lindsay Randolph of Hixson, Tennessee; her great-grandaughter, Serenity Randolph (13); her great-grandson Jeremiah Randolph (11); a great-grandson Gideon Randolph (10); a great grandson Isaac Randolph (7); and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, supportive friends and colleagues, and loving brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel.
You may watch Nina's Celebration of Life Service by clicking on the link https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/97870
What’s your fondest memory of Nina?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nina?
Share a story where Nina's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nina you’ll never forget.
How did Nina make you smile?