Anita Riley Tucker, 92 years young, went to her heavenly home on December 1, 2021 surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. Anita was born in Townley, AL in 1929 to John Austin Riley and Bernice Hensley Riley who later moved to Sumiton, AL.
By 1956, Anita married her beloved A.C. Tucker, Jr. in Sumiton and they immediately traveled to Newport, Rhode Island so A.C. could begin Naval Boot Camp. Some of A.C. and Anita’s fondest memories are of the time they spent in their one room apartment as they began life together. While A.C. served our country in the Navy, Anita served by working for Naval Intelligence and later Naval Research.
A.C. and Anita were overjoyed in the 1960’s to become parents with the birth of their only daughter, Lisa. Anita embraced her new role as a mother by devoting herself to the joy of motherhood, but always encouraging, loving and supporting friends and family. Eventually, Anita’s love of photography and stories blossomed into an additional role as photojournalist with photos and articles published in several magazines and newspapers.
Anita received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. She often shared her favorite bible verse from Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.” No matter the circumstance, her sweet spirit and kind encouragement always came through and are a testimony of her personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Anita is survived by her faithful husband of 65 years, A.C. and daughter, Lisa; sisters, Marie Riley Wilson and Jo Ruth (Riley) Friday; and as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In addition to her parents, Anita was preceded in death by her sister, Jewel Banks (Riley) Martin; and brother, Gene Riley.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Bell Sumiton Chapel with burial at Morgan Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Flowers, cards and memorial contributions to charity are all welcome.
