Grenelda D. Tucker

A devoted follower of Christ who loved the Lord and His Word. A prayer warrior and worshipper. A lover of truth and wisdom. Full of love, compassion and integrity. A loving, nurturing mother. A mentor and confidante. A faithful and loyal friend. A beautiful reflection of Him. Classy and elegant. An exceptional communicator. Full of personality and life. A great listener. Discerning. Authentic. Smart. Articulate. Stylish. Graceful. Kind.

THE DAWN OF A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

Grenelda Denise Blakeney was born on July 20, 1960 to the late Wynonia T. Blakeney in Harlem, New York. She was the second of five siblings. Full of life, charming and delightful, it was obvious she was special.

Grenelda lived with her grandmother, Flonnie, in Paterson, New Jersey from 4 to 8 years old. She returned to live with her mother and stepfather Charlie Wright in Brooklyn. Even as a child, she was creative and sassy, enjoyed dance classes and performing in plays. She had an appreciation of the performing arts at an early age.

Though Grenelda grew up in Brooklyn, she spent most of her holidays, weekends and summer vacations with her grandmother, whom she loved. Their bond was strong and she exposed Grenelda to the things of God and took her to church regularly. She often shared how inspired she was by her grandmother’s consistent prayer life.

Grenelda attended Fashion Industries High School in Manhattan and had aspirations of being a fashion designer. If you knew anything about Grenelda, you knew she was a “fashionista” indeed - and loved a little bling. She took great pleasure in putting an outfit or her personal space together with elegance and excellence. After attending Fashion Industries, she transferred to a high school specializing in business classes. This proved to be a wise career move, as she spent her professional life in corporate America, building a foundation in legal work before transitioning into mortgage banking and human resources.

THE DEFINING “YES”

At the age of 19, a televangelist led Grenelda through the sinner’s prayer - and she gave her life to the Lord. Life took an amazing turn for her and she never looked back. She would often say…“Surrendering my life to and serving Jesus was the best decision I ever made. There’s nothing for me to go back to, so there is no turning back.”

At 20, Grenelda knew she wanted a better life for herself and her young daughter, Tiffany. She relocated to Atlanta Georgia and began attending church. She met great Christian friends that helped shape her and point her in the direction God had chosen for her. Grenelda took seriously the call to heal, mature and grow in the Lord. Never one to do anything halfway, she fully committed to allowing Christ to transform her from the inside out - so that she might reflect His nature.

HOME IS WHERE HER HEART WAS

While in Atlanta, she met and married Marcus Tucker, and flourished in her family life. Home was always where her heart was. She was a devoted wife and also a proud mom to Tiffany, Maurice, Corey and Bradley. She was blessed to be a stay at home mom. The bond she shared with her children was not only rare - it was sacred. She was a safe space, a source of guidance and wisdom, and an example.

Proverbs 31:28…”Her children rise up and call her blessed…”

Grenelda’s home was a reflection of her spirit - warm, inclusive and always open. She had a special talent for making hospitality feel like a sincere embrace.

HER FAITH IN ACTION

If you knew Grenelda, you knew she was an advocate of inner wholeness and healing, since she had personally experienced it after submitting her life to the Lord. A major part of her purpose and passion was mentoring and exposing women to the power of prayer, fasting, seeking the Lord and allowing Him to heal the inner recesses of the heart and soul. There was beauty in her vulnerability as she shared her personal testimonies of inner transformation.

Over the years, she served in leadership over women’s prayer groups, spoke at different women’s meetings, held care groups in her home and operated in her teaching gift. She followed in the footsteps of her mother in the Lord, Mollie Robinson and hosted “Mountain Climbers” weekend prayer retreats. Grenelda and the family moved to southern California in 1995 and joined Life Church, where she sang in the choir, served on the prayer team and women’s ministry.

In 2006, Grenelda moved to Greensboro North Carolina, where she was remarried to Ed Kearney Jr. During her latter time in Greensboro, she served on the pastoral team at her church and operated in a counseling role. She was ordained as a pastor after relocating to Greenville South Carolina, where she continued serving in ministry.

No matter her location, her purpose to make a difference remained solid.

ETERNAL IMPACT

Her life was the sermon. The Father’s love was the message.

Matthew 7:20…”By their fruit you will know them.”

Grenelda, or as some affectionately called her - “Mama G” - had a special and unique gift of being able to connect with people. Her kind heart helped disarm even the toughest people. Her discernment allowed her to look past what was being presented, said or even acted out.

She was a woman with great intellectual, emotional and spiritual depth. She had the ability to peel back the layers to get to the core problem and heart of the matter. She was all about going deeper to get to the root of issues. She would often say “Okay, now let’s go down Main Street.” She was refreshingly real and her authenticity gave others permission to be themselves.

To say she was loved and treasured is an understatement. Her story was beautiful and her life was a living testimony of unwavering faith, transformation and strength. She lit up every room she entered and left an imprint.

Grenelda did not merely exist - she lived with intention. She did not just pass through this world - she left it better. She empowered others by sharing her wisdom, compassion and love. Her words were always life-giving!

She didn’t just talk the talk - she walked the walk! The intimacy of her relationship with Christ was an example and an inspiration that led many to Him. Never one to take glory, she always pointed people to Christ and His Word.

A testament to her character, Grenelda led through deed rather than just words. Her life served as a blueprint in compassion, reflected in her interactions, in her speech and her devotion to others. Never too busy to listen, Grenelda was the person others turned to for advice and truth spoken with grace. She had a way of calming the storm in others; she made you feel truly valued, in ways that lingered long after the conversation ended. Her life was a master class in the idea that true greatness is not measured by what we accumulate, but by what we give away.

Grenelda was a balanced person that enjoyed many hobbies: dancing (especially Motown ballroom style), traveling, decorating, comedy movies and learning new things. She was an excellent cook and nobody’s grits, sweet potato pie or homemade chicken pot pie could even come close to hers! She loved fine jewelry and her daughter always joked that “there has never been a jewelry store or jewelry counter that we’ve walked by and she hasn’t stopped and looked.”

She spent her last four and half years living in Fort Mill, SC with her daughter Tiffany. It was a beautiful time - full of laughter, love and priceless memories. The challenges of these last two years never dimmed Grenelda’s devotion. She met her health issues with an unwavering faith that inspired everyone around her. She knew and declared Jesus to be a keeper. She is now healed!!

Though heaven has gained her presence, her love and impact remains woven into the very fabric of those blessed to have known her here on earth.

She leaves a legacy that breathes - in the faith she modeled, the strength she instilled, and the love she gave so freely.

Left to cherish her memory are her three loving children: Tiffany Tucker, Maurice Tucker, Corey Tucker; her beautiful grandchildren: Malcum Tucker, Jayden Tucker, Banks Arthur; sister Debora Miller; brother DeWayne Blakeney; and a host of amazing nephews, cousins, family members and loved ones. Grenelda was preceded in death by her son, Bradley Tucker - with whom she is now reunited!

***In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to help support and assist during this difficult time. Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated.***