Flora Mae Rucker

Flora McKinley Rucker, born on December 23, 1929, in Buffalo Valley, Tennessee, was the second child of Gene McKinley and Collie Lamberson. She took her last breath on earth and her first breath in heaven on December 9, 2025. Her early life was marked by challenges, losing her older brother to polio at the age of three, followed by her father’s passing from tuberculosis when he was just twenty-one several weeks later. Flora’s maternal grandparents played a significant role in raising her, providing her with safety, love and strong moral character.

Flora was a beautiful woman. Her eyes were framed by high cheekbones and long black hair reminiscent of movie stars of the time. Her grace could have belonged on the silver screen, but she chose different stages: the kitchen, the garden, the church, the hospital. Places where her essence was expressed in action, love and service.

Flora graduated from the Nashville school system and pursued a career in emergency room care as a medical assistant having graduated from the Baptist Nursing Technician School. She dedicated many years to Baptist Hospital, where she became a highly respected and cherished employee. Her compassionate, highly competent care touched the lives of countless patients and their families. Flora’s strength and faith were refreshed and strengthened as a member of both Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women.

Flora had a green thumb. She cultivated beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Flora was renowned for her outstanding, memorable and encompassing meals. In particular, she delighted family and friends alike with not only a huge spread of savory dishes, but her legendary blackberry and peach cobblers topped with handmade ice cream. At these gatherings, Flora’s heart sang, her eyes sparkled and her face widened with heartfelt smiles and warmth. Flora’s creativity extended to her passion for quilting, where some of her most intricate and beautiful work would take over a year to complete. Those fortunate to have any of these works hold them in high esteem.

People who knew Flora remember her strength, resilience and determination. She lived a full, authentic life, and encouraged others to do the same. As she remarked recently, no one comes on this earth to stay forever. Everything has a time and a place. Live the gift of life and hug those close to you. While Flora desired to travel more during her life, she now embarks on her supreme journey.

Flora was predeceased by her cherished father and mother, Gene McKinley and Collie Lamberson, her loving stepfather, Wiley Hancock, beloved husband, Rev. Thomas G. Rucker, Sr., son Thurston S. Rucker, grandsons Anthony Lamar Rucker and Jeffrey Lamont Rucker, dear sisters Odessa Bell Ables, Rosetta Beard, Stella Caly, Nell Hart and loving brothers Charles, Hugh, Walter and Jim Hancock. Several of her colleagues, friends and associates have also passed on before her. Flora is survived by her youngest sister, Lula Hancock.

Flora leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through her three sons- Thomas G. Rucker, Jr. (Ruby), Randal D. Rucker (Jim), and David M. Rucker. They will carry forward her spirit as will her granddaughter, Keisha Rucker-Edwards (Lonnie) and great granddaughters Kallahari and Asali Edwards and Danielle Rucker, Shanna Rucker-Blount (Denzel), great-great granddaughter, Jinora Linh Blount and great-great grandson, Everson Lamont Blount. Flora will be remembered by her brother-in-law, Joseph Rucker (Mae Ella) and scores of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins and expanded family members across the country.

The family wishes to extend its deep appreciation for all expressions of support during this time.