Retha Mae Tucker

Passed 08/16/2020

Obituary For Retha Mae Tucker

Retha Mae (Harrison) Tucker, the third daughter of the late Freddie Harrison, Sr. and Rudell McPhail Harrison, was born in Darlington, South Carolina. She left her earthly home for eternity on Sunday, August 16, 2020 in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Retha spent her early childhood school years in Darlington, SC. The family relocated to Harrisburg, PA in 1960, where she continued her education and graduated from the former William Penn Senior High School. Having a desire to further her education, Retha attended Harrisburg Area Community College and graduated with an Associate degree and she attended cosmetology school and was a licensed beautician.

She retired from the Commonwealth Department of Public Welfare as a caseworker, honorably discharged from the Army Reserve and was the former owner of Tucker Hair Gallery in Chambersburg, PA. She made an impact in her community and for her country

Retha loved Larry! In 1970, she met and fell head over heels for her one and only true love, Larry E. Tucker. She made an impact on Larry’s heart and life. They married on Saturday, August 17th, 1974. This year marks forty-six (46) years of marriage. From their union they were blessed with two children, Sharele and the late, Sheldon.

Retha loved God! Under Pastor John Easton at Open Door Way of the Cross Church, Retha confessed Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, and was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. No doubts about it! From that day on, Retha would spread the Gospel to any and everyone. She would always have a word for you and invite you to have a personal relationship with God. By spreading the gospel, Retha made an impact in many people’s lives, young and old, near and far. She lived by the word of God and His word was in her. She could talk for hours about God and his goodness. Two of her favorite scriptures were Psalm 23 and Psalm 34. Retha steps were ordered by God. Her and Larry relocated their family to Chambersburg, PA. While there, Believer’s Fellowship was birth and their ministry began in their home. As the ministry grew, they moved to the Chambersburg Community Center and then to Shippensburg, PA. Now their ministry is global, under the name of Believer’s Global Ministries. For the last two years, Retha along with Overseer Larry Tucker, assisted Apostle Keith C. Beatty and Pastor Sylvia Beatty at Heart of Promises Ministries, in San Tan Valley, Arizona in the spiritual formation of a thriving congregation. Again, making an impact!

Retha was Co-Pastor of Believer’s Global Ministries. Retha was a visionary, seeking and following the direction of God! He birth out of her belly in 2011, the calling for Wailing Women Ministries. Retha made an impact by holding yearly conferences throughout the United States, blessing women and men of God at every event!

Retha loved her family and friends! Retha filled the void that was left after the passing of her mother, Rudell for her family. She made an impact, by often sacrificing her needs and desires to help her family and others, to make sure that they were okay. Retha enjoyed servant-ship and sharing the word of God with her family. She would quicken and correct family and anyone at any time. She was firm and direct but always with love.

Retha made an impact on the lives of so many young people. She was beside Larry at Mission Home program in York, PA. Even on one occasion substituting for a staff member that fell ill. She was an integral part of the Preeminence Private Day Program that served at-risk children and their families in Franklin and surrounding counties and school districts.

She made an impact on many college students. She helped change the trajectory of their lives by encouraging youth to seek the Lord first and by furthering their education. She lived her life to be an example to others. Her motto was, “I can do all things through Jesus Christ that strengthens me”, Philippians 4:13. Retha was an entrepreneur! There isn’t much that she and Larry didn’t try. She sold Amway, Avon, Herbal Supplements, accessories, jewelry, hair care products just to name a few. She made an impact in her community as a business owner.

Simplest way to put it, Retha loved everyone and made a lasting impact and impression on all who knew her, young and old, near and far! She never met a stranger!

On Sunday, August 16th, 2020, she went from time to eternity, earning her crown and joining in eternal life with her father, Freddie Harrison, Sr.; her mother, Rudell McPhail Harrison; her son, Sheldon Tucker; her brothers-in-law, James Henderson, Jimmie Hendrix and James Tucker and her sisters-in-law: Lilian Napper and Linda Polk.

Retha leaves to cherish loving and lasting memories; her devoted husband, Larry E. Tucker of Queen Creek, AZ; her daughter, Sharele Tucker Hatfield (Rodney) of Johnstown, PA; her daughter-in-law, Maria Gamell (Daman) of Grand Prairie, TX; her sisters, Dorothy Hendrix of Harrisburg, PA; Alice Henderson of Salisbury, NC; Lilia Wallace (Sylburn), Olivia Jordor, Terry Harrison and Julie Harrison, all of Chambersburg, PA; her brothers, Freddie Harrison, Jr. of Martinsburg, WV and Major Harrison of Mahonay, PA; her sisters-in-law: Patsy Price and Jean Baltimore, both of Harrisburg, PA; her brother-in-law, Shellie Tucker (Darlene) of Harrisburg, PA; her grandchildren: Patience, Rivers, Sakeena, Harmony and Joel of grand Prairie, TX and Zion of Johnstown, PA; 37 nieces and nephews; 79 great nieces and nephews; 26 great-great nieces and a host of other family members, friends, saints and colleagues.

Her life will be celebrated on Friday, September 4 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton, PA with viewing from 12 Noon until 2:00 p.m.

Covid 19 guidelines will be observed with masks and six foot social distancing for all attendees.

Live streaming of the service will also be available on the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home YouTube page.



Guest Book

We hadn't been around each other in a long time, but the Tuckers will always hold a special place in my heart. Retha Tucker showed me how to be a woman of God when the college life could have pulled me in any direction. I am grateful for her guidance, words of wisdom, and encouragement. Praying for the family. ~ Maria James-Thiaw

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pastor christian and madelyn robertson we love you praying for your strength.

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It is with great sorrow that I'm not able to be with you all today. Elder Larry and Shirlee you're all in my prayers on today and The passing of my First Lady RethaTucker. The reason I'm not able to make it I'm at home with my mother who is 88 years old and I'm caring for her, she cannot be left alone but know that I will truly miss her she was always good to me and my family, The entire church family you will continually be in my prayers and know that you are loved by the Mitchell family. We all send our condolences be blessed and please please stay safe.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Major H. Winfield Funeral Home | Steelton, PA