"This Is Her Story"

Roxie Lee Tucker- Clayton was born to the parents of the late Reverend Dr. Matthew Timothy (M.T) and Sis. Gussie Jones -Tucker on July 15, 1920 in Magnolia, AR. Roxie was the youngest of four children born to their union. Two of her siblings died as toddlers and she grew up with her beloved older brother, the late Early Tucker.

Her love of God and music began in Magnolia, AR where her father was the pastor and she would learn to play the piano and sing with her Mother, Gussie. She was educated and graduated from the Walker High School Columbia District.  She would go on to attend the Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) and majored in music. While at AM&N she was a member of the famed AM&N Singers. She sang for President, Dr. Lawrence A. Davis on many special occasions.

While at college she met and married Mr. James Charles, and to their union the love of her life and only son, Wilmington was born. They would reside in Gurdon, AR and then moved to Hot Springs, AR where she became a lifelong resident. She would later marry Lorenzo Douglas, and Albertus Clayton they preceded her in death as well as her first husband, James Charles.

"Miss Roxie" as she was affectionately known by the children, co-workers, and others was a woman of short stature but one who had a powerful voice, a voice full of readiness, eagerness, zeal, and enthusiasm for singing, directing, and speaking her mind. If she had something to say, she did not hold back, she would let you know how she felt.

She served as the choir/music director for thousands of seniors and juniors who sang in the Senior and Junior Choirs at Eureka Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her father, the late Reverend Dr. M.T. Tucker. She would serve at Eureka for over forty years. Not only did she lead the choirs at Eureka, she was a member of the famed National Baptist Convention USA music department. She sang and performed with the great legends such as the late, Marjorie Lawrence, Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, and Rev. C.L. Franklin. The glory years of the late fifties, sixties, and seventies were a time when "Miss Roxie" gave God her best in praises and glory to Him.

Not only was she a Christian but she exemplified strong work ethics. She worked for Featherlite (Chamberlin/Chamber Door) for more than forty years. She was in her mid-seventies when she retired. It was said, she didn't want to retire, but she was such a loyal and good worker the company felt that it was time for her to enjoy the fruits of her labor. Miss Roxie would then go on to spend time with her family, friends, community, and her beloved Eureka Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish her memories include her beloved son, Wilmington O. Charles, Sr and his wife Rosemary; her grandchildren, Wilmington Charles, Jr of Tampa, FL, LaQuita Charles, Cassandra Barnett and Anthony Jones all of Little Rock and Kenneth (Telisha) Jones of Carson, CA;  twelve great grandchildren, a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Union Baptist Church with Rev. Steve R. Lake, pastor of Eureka Baptist Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Little Rock National Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 6:30 PM, Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the funeral home.

Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com .

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.