Janet Carol Tucker, 59, of Ellisville, Mississippi, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, Mississippi.

Born on January 13, 1967, in Laurel, Mississippi, Janet lived a life marked by deep faith, fierce love, unwavering loyalty, and joyful service. She loved Jesus above all else, and that love shaped every part of her life. Whether serving through her church, singing in the choir, traveling with family and friends, cheering on the Atlanta Braves, or pouring herself into the lives of children, Janet lived with purpose and passion.

Education was both her calling and her ministry. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education and Counseling and devoted her career to encouraging, teaching, counseling, and advocating for children. To the countless students whose lives she touched, she was more than an educator—she was a steady source of wisdom, compassion, and hope.

Janet had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, heard, and deeply loved. She was the first person her family called—with exciting news to celebrate, heartbreaking news to help carry, or difficult decisions that needed her wise counsel and steady encouragement. She celebrated victories as though they were her own and stood shoulder to shoulder with those she loved through life’s hardest seasons.

If Janet loved you, there was never any doubt. She loved wholeheartedly, defended fiercely, and spoke honestly. She fought for the people she loved, believed in them when they struggled to believe in themselves, and never hesitated to tell the truth wrapped in love. Her strength, generosity, and unwavering presence became an anchor for so many.

Janet’s greatest earthly heartache was the loss of her beloved Irish twin and brother, James Mark Tucker, just ten months ago. Their reunion in Heaven is a comfort to those who grieve her passing.

She is survived by her loving mother, Ruby Dale Ezell Tucker; her sisters, Marsha Lynn Sanderson and Wanda Annette Oden and her husband, John; her sister-in-law, Diane Tucker; her life long best friend, Tammy Griffith and her husband Mark and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, treasured friends, church family, former students, and colleagues whose lives are forever richer because of her love.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Halton Tucker, and her beloved brother, James Mark Tucker.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Roy Crouch officiating. Burial will take place at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery in Ellisville. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellisville Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers are her beloved nephews, Stephen Sanderson, Justin Oden, Tripp Crocker, and Tolbert Hines, along with two young men she loved like sons, Titus Crouch and Isaac Crouch.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to purchase missionary Bibles through BEAMS Bible Ministry in Gulfport in memory of Janet Tucker.