Paula Alfreda Tucker

A Life Well Lived

Paula Alfreda Tucker, lovingly known as “Candy,” was born on July 8, 1957, in Pocomoke City, Maryland, to the late Alfred and Pauline Fields. She departed her earthly home on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

Educated in Somerset County Public Schools, Paula was an active student at Crisfield High School, excelling in basketball and softball, singing in the Glee Club, and serving as assistant secretary on the student council. After high school, she earned her cosmetology license from Delmarva Beauty Academy and later continued her education at Wor-Wic Community College before transferring to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Paula was a licensed childcare provider and a devoted foster and adoptive mother.

In 1968, Paula’s family relocated to Crisfield, but she frequently traveled to Pocomoke to visit friends and family. Her decision to date James Tucker Sr. grew into a loving 50-year marriage that was blessed with seven children.

Paula accepted Christ in 1974 and became a devoted member of Highway Holiness Church. She served faithfully on the finance committee and the Missionary Board, taught Sunday school, and directed both the adult and youth choirs. In 2017, she was honored to lead the Women’s Purity Ministry as its president. She also served as a morning speaker at the Missionary Auxiliary session and played a key role in planning the Annual Godly Women with a Purpose Conference for eleven years. Paula hosted the Husband-and-Wife Fellowship event, directed games at the annual Highway Holiness Church picnics, and, after her mother’s passing, continued hosting the annual Fields and Fryer Family Gospel Extravaganza.

Paula was employed with the Rubberset Company for several years and later worked in the It Takes a Village program under the leadership of Mayor Darlene Taylor. She also served as a paraeducator in the Somerset County Public Schools, working at Princess Anne Elementary School until her retirement.

Paula was well known for her cooking—especially her banana pudding, dump cake, applesauce pie, and sweet potato rolls. She was an avid game player who enjoyed Scrabble, Phase 10, Spades, Spoons, Monopoly, Trouble, and Bid Whist.

Paula’s warm and patient spirit shone in everything she did. Whether singing for the Lord, hosting gatherings, or preparing meals, she brought joy to those around her. Her creativity and humor made her the life of every party. She loved to travel and was a constant encourager, always reminding others to do the right thing. She put others before herself, preferred to keep things simple, and always wore a smile—even through pain. Known for her humor, she didn’t hesitate to tell someone to “have a seat” if they weren’t singing in tune.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Prophet James Tucker, Sr.; four daughters, Evangelist Juana Leonard (Anthony), Amber Tucker, Danielle Parsons (John), and Keisha Tucker; three sons,  James Tucker Jr. (Rhodea), Joseph Tucker (Deirdra), and Paul Tucker; five sisters, Lovetta Kersey, Gail Fields, J. Rena Ford (Russell), Faithanne Tucker (Joe), and Shirley Pettis; six brothers, Arthur Miles, James Miles, Terry Fields, Jerry Fields, Clifton Fields, and Dontai Fields (Keoca); six godchildren, Linwood Lee, Sr., Yolanda Whittington, Kenyon Whittington, Terrel Steward, Brittany Tilghman, and Nika Ambeau; twenty-six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Jr. and Pauline Fields; one daughter, Niya Tucker; and two brothers, Alfred Fields III and Tommy Fields.

Paula’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, family, and love. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of kindness and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Crisfield Academy and High School, 210 N.  Somerset Avenue, Crisfield, MD with a viewing one-hour prior. A public viewing will also be held 2:00 PM-6:00 PM Friday, February 21, 2025, at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne, MD. Interment will be held 1:00 PM Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery, Hurlock, MD.

28 Responses

  1. We send our deepest condolence’s to the family. May God give you strength at this difficult time.

  2. Brother Tucker and family, I extend my heartfelt prayers and condolences to you during this period of grief. Treasure the many fond memories and traditions shared. May God’s light shine upon you and
    provide comfort and peace.

  3. My condolences to the Family! Praying that GOD gives you strength and comfort during this difficult time!

  4. My sympathy goes out to brother Tucker and family weeping may endureth for the night but Joy cometh in the morning 🌄

  5. Rip Cuz. She was always so pleasant the times I met her at our Tucker family reunion in MS. RIP and condolences family

  6. Mr. Tucker and family, I want to offer my sincere condolences to you during this difficult time. Through our friendship and working together, Paula brought joy and positivity to everyone around her, including me. I loved her. Her love for her family was evident in every conversation and I hope you find comfort in knowing how much she cherished each of you. May you find peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead. Take Care. ❤️‍🩹🙏🏽

  7. I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Paula. She was one of my dearest friends. I have so many wonderful memories of her. I am sending you strength today and peace in all the days ahead. I am praying for your healing and comfort during this time. Sending my love to Mr. Tucker and family. Love Linda Viens

  8. To Prophet Tucker and the family and it’s entirety.
    Please accept our sincere condolences. Sister Candy will be surely missed! May God bring your family and friends peace, love, comfort and togetherness. Remember, God said bless those who mourn for they shall be comforted! Please reach out if you need anything.
    Sincerely,
    Sister Vesta Scotland

  9. I was truly saiden by the loss of your loved one Sister Paula. She will be truly missed by many. Sending my most heartfelt condolences to the family. My prayer for you all is may our Lord Jesus the Christ wrap his loving arms around you all to bring you comfort during this your time of sorrow. Rev. Stetson Elroy Lane,Jr. ENON BAPTIST CHURCH OF DELIVERANCE. Crisfield Maryland

  10. To the Tucker Family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy. I have many fond memories of working with Paula. She was such a blessing! God bless you and, I am praying for . Love and prayers, June L. Brumfield

  11. Praying for the family and friends of such a sweet women of God!!
    Gospel Tabernacle Church
    Havre de Grace

  12. To the Tucker family, You all have my Deepest Sympathy!! May God continue to Bless and keep you all wrap in his bosom and give you all Peace! “Weeping endure for a night but joy comes in the morning!!! It was a Blessing to have met Mama Paula she was one of a kind that smile. She was a strong & bold God fearing woman! The Matriarch of the family! I’m Praying you alls strength in the Lord and her light has shined and her legacy lives on To Glory Be To God!! Stay Strong Family! We love you all! Always Praying for you all!! Your family/friends in Germantown MD.

  13. To the Tucker Family we the Fountain Family extend our deepest sympathy for your loss To my neighbor and friends for years
    Love.
    God Bless
    Cheetah

  14. From labor to reward. Praise God for a beautiful life and legacy. Praying God’s peace, comfort and strength for you Evan. Juana, Prophet Tucker & family.

  15. My lord could I but glean a while longer in thy field, by the light of the setting sun. Pale rays still part the approaching darkness and a somber hush gathers the last remains of the day. My heart and body fells that natural embrace. Yet, my spirit takes flight just as an evening loon spreads its wings above the ebbing tide of humanity. Tomorrow comes to soon for some who have hurled themselves oblivion…Oh, that I may glean awhile longer and bring but a few more souls to my Masters feet. She was a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. Angels carry this precious soul to a place of sweet repose. Your brother in Christ, Joseph Mccready to the family and friends

  16. To the Tucker Family: May God give you strength when your love one is gone, may His grace and mercy carry you on, may the unending love that He has for you revive your heart and see you through.

    Love
    Jay n Jackie Dyson

  17. Our prayers and condolences go out to the family at such a time as this. We know now your beautiful voice will be heard in the Heavens with God and his angels.
    R.I.H.,
    Cousin David and Beverly McBride

  18. Sending my condolences to everyone from a fellow resident of Chesapeake Avenue. Faith was a staple in the Tucker family. I believe they had fun and laughed a lot to.

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