Joan D. Jones Tucker

Joan D. Jones Tucker was born January 7, 1931. She passed away peacefully on February 25, 2022. For the past six years, Joan was cared for graciously at Golden Palms Retirement Center, along with Dr. John R. Tucker, the true love of her life.

Joan devoted her life to service and collecting antiques. She was active in various civic and social clubs such as The RGV Federation of Women’s Club, Junior League of Harlingen, Eastern Star of La Feria, Thomas Barlow Chapter of D.A.R. and Algodon Club holding office of President, Director or Chair. Joan had a special place in her heart for P.E.O and Alpha Chi Omega Sorority serving in many positions of leadership. The Gladys Porter Zoo, Bailey Dunlap Memorial Public Library of La Feria, and Museum of South Texas History were her greatest passions. She was Director of the Gladys Porter Zoo as well as President of the RGV Zoological Society. She felt serving with Gladys Porter was a special honor and never missed a chance to take her grandchildren to see the latest exhibit. Joan was a trustee for the Museum of South Texas History and prided herself in sharing local history with all who would listen.

She also chaired the Community Finance Drive to establish the Bailey Dunlap Memorial Library of La Feria in addition to serving on the City Library Board and later with the Friends of the Library. Reading was always a priority. She became one of the Valley’s first accredited Appraisers of Personal Property and loved learning and sharing her extensive knowledge of the history of all collectibles.

The family is extremely grateful for all the administrators and staff of Golden Palms Retirement Center, the staff of Amedysis Hospice Care of Harlingen, and all the additional caregivers staying by her side.

She is survived by her husband, John R. Tucker, M.D; her children, Jay (Patty) and Jana Lee (Buzz); daughter-in-law, Cynthia; six grandchildren; and, seven great-grand children. Her son, Jamey, predeceased her in November 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed and appreciated to Joan’s favorite charities, the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville (GPZ.org), the Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Public Library 400 South Main St., La Feria, Texas 78559, and The Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg (mosthistory.org).

No local services are planned.