Irene Reynolds Tucker

Irene Reynolds Tucker, 88, of Fincastle, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 18, 2015. Irene was born March 21, 1927 to James W. and Maude Evelyn Swain Reynolds of Vinton. Mama was raised in a loving home with her siblings Bill, Louise, and Jimmy, and Grandfather Swain. While she escaped by the grace of God most of the hardships of the Great Depression and the War, she always remembered the toll they took on others and the innumerable sacrifices of so many. In August 1953, Irene married the love of her life, W. C, "Billy" Tucker, Jr. and settled quickly into farming and country life, which were big changes for a Vinton girl. She continued her teaching career, eventually retiring from the Botetourt County School System. Her many years at Troutville Elementary with wonderful students and colleagues were the capstone of her professional calling. Mama's personal life was all about her family, whom she loved with all her heart and for whom she sacrificially gave all she had. She was a gift from God to her sons, Monty and Paul and their families. Mama or Mamaw, never had a harsh word for anybody and her kind, sweet, and thoughtful demeanor will be forever missed. Billy and Irene had several good years together after their retirements and enjoyed occasional trips to North Carolina beaches with her dear sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Maroni Green. Mama and Daddy also took pleasure in the simple routines of life, such as coffee and breakfast at the Daleville McDonald's and K&W. Irene then devoted years to caring for her husband with Alzheimer's disease. This was not a burden, rather it was an exhausting labor of love she embraced and which so many others have sadly experienced. Over the years, she had also came to love Virginia Tech (where her grandson, Chris played basketball and granddaughter, Jill now attends), Hampden-Sydney College (where grandson, Andrew played baseball), and Wake Forest (where she and Billy loved to travel to visit Paul in law school). Irene leaves saddened but grateful sons, James M. "Monty" and Paul and their supportive wives, Susanne Allen and Terry Caldwell Tucker; grandchildren, Christopher Mont "Chris" Tucker, Andrew Paul Tucker, Jill Danielle Tucker, and F. Brandon Linthicum. She leaves special great-grandsons, Ethan James Tucker and Nolan S.P. Linthicum; in-laws, Bob and Marlies Allen; numerous nieces, nephews, other family, and friends; including sisters-in-law, Anita Reynolds of Vinton and Shirley W. Tucker of Daleville. She was predeceased by siblings, Bill and Louise and their spouses, Virginia and Maroni; brother, Jimmy; her dear "Tucker" sisters-in-law, Bessie T. Biscotte and Ella Nora T, Obenshain, their spouses, Nick and Dewey; and brother-in-law, Leonard. The family extends particular appreciation to the many kindnesses shown Irene by Fincastle United Methodist Church, Carrington Place, Bethel Ridge, and Dr. Clarke Andrews and staff. Graveside Services will be held 2pm Sunday, November 22, 2015 at Godwin Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Jae-Haeng Choi officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8pm Friday, November 20, 2015 at the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home and at other times at the home of Paul and Terry Tucker, 20 East Main St., Fincastle, VA. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com 540-254-3000