On the early morning of November 28, 2023 in Portland, Oregon,
God looked down to Stephon “Ted’ Tucker with his arms reaching out
wide. Though the call was unexpected, the message was clear. Stephon’s
work was done; his room had been prepared, and it was time to go to his
heavenly home.
Stephon was born on January 8, 1962 to Clinton and Addie Watson:
Tucker. He was baptized at an early age and became a member of New
Bethel Baptist Church in Meherrin, Virginia. Initially the youngest
sibling of four and the only son, Stephon’s energy, adventurous attitude,
and spirit kept the family feeling entertained and loved. He was a proud
momma’s boy, and he built strong unique bonds with each of his siblings.
Even as an adult, he would constantly let the world know how much he
loved his sisters. When his younger brother joined the family, Stephon
was both eager and proud to step into his big brother position–a role he
continued to happily fulfill into his adult life.
After graduating from Prince Edward County High School in
1980, Stephon was motivated to serve his country. He joined the United
States Coast Guard and served for five years. Later in life, Stephon
relocated to Portland, Oregon and quickly made it his home away from
home. Though he missed his family and friends in Virginia, he was

welcomed into a new group of friends that quickly became his Portland
family. He became a devoted Portland Trail Blazers fan and grew to love
the area, including the opportunities to catch a sports game, enjoy nature
(with a special love for fishing) and hang out with his Portland brothers.
Stephon also established an impressive career in security. At the time of
his passing, he was employed with Securitas Security firm.
Though Stephon lived in Oregon, his love for his family knew no
physical boundaries. He enjoyed making his visits back to Virginia to
hug his momma, cook out with his family, go fishing at the lake, and
check in on his close childhood friends. While he wore many hats,
one of his favorites was being a grandpa. His “grandboos,” as he would
affectionately call them, brought such joy to his life. It was not unusual
for a conversation with Stephon to include updates on his children and
stories about his grandchildren (sometimes with photos to match).
Stephon is reunited in heaven with his parents, Addie and Clinton.
He leaves behind many loved ones to cherish his memories including:
a wife, Frances Cummings-Tucker; : five children, Kira Hendrix,
Delauren Dean Haye (Micah), Shakala Tucker, Stephon Tucker Jr., and
Dominique Tucker; five grandchildren; three sisters, Rhonda Goldman,
Loretta Wood, and Bernadine Miller; one brother, Derek Tucker
( Jessica); and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He
also leaves behind an incredibly supportive group of friends: including
Melvin Walton, Jesse Jackson, his right hand man, Michael Hooks; his
Portland brothers, Henry Taylor, Richie James, Latrell Russell, and
Everette Ware, and a very special and devoted friend, Nanette Haan.