Laurel Ann Tucker

Laurel Ann Tucker of Augusta, GA passed away peacefully at her home on March 23, 2026 at the age of 70. She was born to the late William “Bill” Tucker and the late Anna Ruth Dodson Tucker on October 19, 1955 at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, WA.

Known to family and friends as “Laurie,” she was raised in Mulberry, FL and was Mulberry High School’s Class of 1973 Valedictorian. After graduating from the University of Florida and Florida State University with honors, she earned a Master of Science in Vision Rehabilitation at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia, PA. Her career spanned more than 40 years, beginning in Gainesville, FL at the Division of Blind Services. After earning her Master’s degree, she worked at the Carroll Center for the Blind in Boston, MA and later returned to her alma mater, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, as a Vision Rehabilitation Instructor and Research Associate. Laurie continued her career with the Department of Veterans Affairs at the VA Medical Center in Augusta, GA working with low vision veterans until her retirement in 2020.

Laurie was a beloved sister, niece and aunt, caring friend and mentor, faithful servant of God, and long-time active member of Lakemont Presbyterian Church. She lived Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Her treasures were God, family and friends. She had a great love of staying connected with people, cooking, and extending hospitality to others. Her travels and daily life centered on church activities such as bible studies, volunteering and singing in the choir; and family gatherings and visits with lifelong friends near and far.

Even as a child, Laurie had a kind heart for remembering birthdays, special occasions, and keeping people in her thoughts and heart. She enjoyed creating handmade cards and staying in touch, sending countless notes, cards and letters during her lifetime – even writing to her nieces in braille for them to decipher.

Ever connected to her parents’ Tennessee roots, Laurie looked forward to returning there often. The birthplace of many generations before her and still today, new generations of family living in the places she enjoyed visiting all her life. It is there on the Cumberland Plateau, overlooking the field where her father once dug potatoes as a young boy, her body will return to the earth beside her grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts.

Laurie is survived by sisters Melinda Jardina of Lakeland, FL and Carolyn Miller and husband Kevin of Atlanta, GA; brother William “Jay” Tucker and wife Marcie of Lake Butler, FL; aunt Freda Tucker of Atlanta, GA; nieces Maria Anderson, Candace Brennan, Hannah Mattox and Holly Tucker; a growing list of great-nieces and great-nephews; and three generations of cherished cousins. In addition to her parents, Laurie is preceded in death by brother-in-law Michael Jardina and niece Carolina Schuler.

A memorial service in celebration of Laurie’s life will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Lakemont Presbyterian Church in Augusta, GA with Rev. Dave Vosseller officiating. The family will receive friends for fellowship and refreshments at a reception immediately following the service.

Interment will take place at the New Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, TN.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Laurie’s memory to Lakemont Presbyterian Church, 411 Pleasant Home Road, Augusta, GA 30907 or to the Pleasant Hill Historical Society of the Cumberlands, P.O. Box 264, Pleasant Hill, TN 38578, www.pioneerhallmuseum.net; contributions will go to the Pioneer Hall Museum.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com