Dorothy M. Tucker Ph.D.

Dr. Dorothy M. Tucker, trailblazing psychologist & Renaissance woman passed away on Dec. 28th. Her dedication to societal betterment made profound, lasting impacts on many lives. She was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the daughter of James Tucker, Sr. & Cleo Christine (Fant) Tucker. Dorothy was passionate about family, art, public policy, politics, high fashion, sports & friendships. She had impeccable taste & didn't miss a minute of play of The Ohio State University, the Raiders and the Dodgers. She was active in the Civil Rights & Women's Empowerment movements; was Deputy to State Assembly Speaker Willie Brown; and participated in numerous successful political campaigns. Dr. Tucker received a BA from Bowling Green State University (BGSU) & was recognized as one of BGSU's 100 Most Prominent Alumni; earned a MA from The University of Toledo, a Ph.D.in Education from The Ohio State University, and a second Ph.D. in Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. As Organizational Psychologist, she counseled at crisis sites and on diversity issues for the LA Police Department; founded Families in New Directions/Crenshaw Consortium providing mental health counseling to an underserved population; was an expert witness for the LA Superior Court in child custody matters; and was a Director at the National Training Labs Institute, Consulting Faculty Member for Saybrook Graduate School & Research Center and an associate professor at Florida International University. Dorothy Tucker's public, regulatory & community service included: President of the CA Psychology Association, Vice President, CA Board of Psychology, National Conference of Bar Foundations, and United Negro College Fund; a CA State Bar Governor, CA Judicial Nominations Evaluation Commissioner, CA Legal Services Trust Fund Commissioner, and LA City Building and Safety Commissioner. She helped found LA's Black Women's Forum and LA's Chapter of 100 Black Women; was on the board of Westside Women's Clinic and a member of New Frontier Democratic Club. Dorothy leaves behind her devoted husband Ben Blakley, brother Jesse Tucker, sister Nancy Tucker, a host of adoring nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in law, and a multitude of friends. The family wishes to give special thanks to caregivers Latresa Patterson-Rankin and Delores Henry. A memorial service will be held on Jan. 19th at 2:00 pm, Angelus Funeral Home, 3875 South Crenshaw Blvd., LA.