“Tucker,” as she was fondly known, gracefully bid adieu to this world on October 3, 2023, just two weeks shy of her 83rd birthday leaving behind a trail of laughter, wit, and cherished memories. Born on October 17, 1940 in the picturesque town of Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Tucker’s vibrant spirit enriched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was raised Catholic by her parents and grandmother, Anna Lee Watkins, the owner of the Chanticleer Lodge, and enjoyed annual trips to Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountains. Later, the family moved to Columbus, Georgia, where she attended Columbus High School as well as the University of Georgia. In 1958, the family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where she attended several years at the University of Arkansas. She met her first husband and moved to New York. Following their divorce, she met Bruce Preston and they shared 42 happy years together in New York, Connecticut and Mathews, Va. Proud of her Southern roots, she manually researched her family genealogy for years, allowing her to gain the D.A.R. designation.

A gifted and multi-faceted person, one of Tucker’s many joys was the time she spent in her garden—first in Connecticut and then, for many years, in Virginia—lovingly tending her zucchini and eggplant while delighting in the fragrance of her basil and her thyme. She won prizes in Mathews for the preserves she put up, and for the fanciful and artistic flower arrangements she created from the flowers she so loved on her property. Come Christmastime, she could be seen with her characteristic energy, cutting cedar and holly that grew there to festoon the family home with wreaths and garlands, along with a surprise December camellia to delight you in your room.

She loved to sew. Creating beautiful needlework scenes of flowers, the cats who were so dear to her, and the family Husky, she used these to decorate the family home as well as giving loving gifts to others. She also created beautiful other-worldly figures out of cloth and paste, several of which became treasures of the family Nativity scene.

Tucker was a voracious reader and an excellent cook. She dedicated years to creating gourmet meals which ultimately evolved into special, simple recipes from her mother and grandmother and from her own creative instincts. She was also devoted to her church community of Kingston Parish, Mathews, and to the friends she made there.

From a young age, Tucker led the way for her siblings, Mary “Nip,” GiGi, and Sam Jr. Her natural charisma and quick thinking made her the ideal big sister, always ready with a clever retort or a shoulder to lean on. As she navigated through life’s adventures, Tucker found herself drawn to the bustling streets of Manhattan, N.Y., where she served as the secretary for an advertising firm. Her sharp wit and organizational skills were put to good use in the fast-paced world of Madison Avenue.

Tucker’s interests were as diverse as her sense of humor. She had a penchant for collecting amusing anecdotes and was often the life of any social gathering. Whether she was regaling friends with her tales from the office or sharing hilarious mishaps from her daily escapades, Tucker’s infectious laughter never failed to brighten the room.

Although Tucker may not have garnered any notable achievements during her time here, her greatest accomplishment was the joy she brought to those around her. Her genuine care and unwavering support for her loved ones were immeasurable, creating a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.

Tucker now joins her beloved father, Sam Butler of Lookout Mountain, and her beloved mother, Mary Gannon of Tampa, Florida, in the eternal embrace of the great beyond. While we mourn her loss, let us also celebrate the remarkable life she led and the indelible mark she left on our hearts. She deeply loved her sisters, Nip and Gigi, and her brother, Sam. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Bruce, and she was devoted to his daughter, Ginny, and his granddaughter, Juliette, whom she looked upon as lovingly as her own. Every Christmas she sewed the two of them mother/daughter dresses, and she thrilled Juliette year after year with exquisite home-sewn clothing, costumes, dolls and doll’s clothing to match her own. Creations that any little girl would dream of having.

She is survived by her brother, Sam Jr.; step-daughter, Virginia; nephew, Sam Tuck Butler III; niece, Mandy Butler; nephew, Ron Dennie of Austin, Texas.

Rest in peace, dear Tucker. Your light will forever shine bright in our hearts.

She will always be remembered with love and gratitude, for her legendary spirit and energy, her love of life and her devotion to her family.

You may visit her Tribute page at AltmeyerFH.com to share memories and offer condolences to the family. Altmeyer Funeral Home, Southside Chapel, 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, is honored to serve Tucker and her family.