Essie Lee Tucker was born January 6, 1939, in LaGrange, GA, to her loving parents, Charles H. and Susie Kate Thornton. Essie graduated from Ethel W. Knight High School. Shortly after graduation, she met the love of her life, Hayward Tucker, and later united as one. A few years later, they moved to Dayton. They had one child, Jennette Tucker. Essie was a loving and devoted mother, always putting her family first. She and Hayward joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, later moving their membership to New Testament Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Raleigh Thornton Sr. She was the Secretary of the Church, the choir president, and the MVBDA Women's Auxiliary president. Essie was a devoted member; she would do anything asked of her to support the church. Every Sunday, when the doors opened, she and her husband would be there to do what was asked of them. Essie worked at Elder-Beerman, managing the women's clothing department. She retired from Elder-Beerman after 30 years of service. Essie is preceded in death by her loving husband, Hayward Tucker, of 63 years. Her father, Charles H. Thornton, her mother, Susie K. Thornton, and her brothers Bobby Thornton, Charles Thornton, James Thornton and Lewis Thornton. Essie is survived by her loving daughter, Jeannette Tucker-Burch, and son-in-law, Cornell Burch. Sisters Susie Easterling (Jerome) Fannie Philon and brothers Ruby Thornton, Raleigh Thornton Sr. (Gloria) Robert Thornton (Wilma), George Thornton, and John Thornton. A host of nieces, nephews, and special friends, Vivian Arnold and Delores Devaine.