Thelma Tucker

Thelma "Penny" Louise Poplin Tucker, 83, of Oakboro, passed away Friday, February 19, 2021 at the home of her daughter, Lisa Lowder.

Penny was born February 23, 1937 in Stanly County to the late Claude Prenay "Nay" Poplin and the late Sarah Isabelle Huneycutt Poplin. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Jim and Bill Poplin; and sisters, Pauline Austin and Gladys Shugar.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm - 6:45 pm, Friday, February 26, 2021 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. The funeral service to celebrate her life will follow at 7:00 pm in the church sanctuary, officiated by Rev. Terrell Lambert. At other times, the family will be gathering at the home of her daughter, Lisa Lowder.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, John "Tommy" Thomas Tucker; daughters, Sherry (Allen) Hatley, Lisa (Tracy) Lowder, Karen (Todd) Dickinson; grandchildren, Sarah (Michael)Kinard, Jamie (Robbie) Oriole, Casey (Bonnie) Lowder, Jordan (Matthew) Esposito, Dallas Lowder, Caleb Almond, Isabella Almond, Victoria Almond; great-grandchildren, Penelope Miller, Matthew Miller, Juniper Oriole and Abel Esposito.

Her given name was Thelma Louise, but her papa called her "Penny" because "she was as little as a copper coin penny." She had a determined spirit or was what some may call "a spitfire."  Penny and her dear husband, Tommy, were members of the Gold Wing Road Riders.  For years she had her own motorcycle and rode those tires thin traveling from one side of America to another.  She had a passion for creating beauty with her own two hands and did not mind one little bit to get them dirty along the way.  She spent countless hours amidst her flowers, curating somewhat of a secret garden around her home.  Penny was quite the meticulous painter, seamstress, and interior decorator.  She could sing as pretty as a song bird and for years she sang in the choir at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and with The Singing Americans Choir.  Penny may have been small in stature and features, but her heart was as big, and deep, and wide as the ocean.  She loved others in a humble, quiet sort of way.  Most often with actions, instead of words.  Whether it was baking a chocolate pound cake for someone, or canning beans to share;  helping with the upkeep of the memory garden at the church, or delivering meals for Meals on Wheels in her Volkswagen Rabbit, she loved by serving others in a tangible and real way.  Penny knew to love and serve Christ meant to love and serve her family and neighbors.  And that she did well.  She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many.  What a legacy she now leaves in the hearts of those she has touched.

Memorials may be made to Community Home Care & Hospice, 1024 Albemarle Road, Suite 904, Troy, NC 27371 or Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 17236 Frog Pond Road, Oakboro, NC 28129.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Tucker family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com