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Van Tucker Obituary
March 1, 1958 - March 28, 2025
Van Tucker, born to the late Melvin C. Tucker Jr. and Joyce Smith Tucker in Franklin, TN on March 1, 1958, rejoined her beloved parents on March 28, 2025.
It is difficult to articulate a life well lived and loved within the confines of an obituary, and anyone who knows Van knows she does not care to be confined, but we will try. Van was a revolutionary banking executive on Music Row, CEO, master gardener, gourmet chef, champion of the arts, and so much more. She was a devoted wife, caring mother, and beloved Birdie to her five grandchildren. She loved fancy cheese, a fine scotch, playing tennis, and walking the dogs at the Williamson County Animal Center. She believed 5 to be the perfect number, and could give you an extensive disquisition as to why. She was brilliant, insightful, and forever curious.
She always told us that if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. Van was a force of nature right to the end and she will be missed beyond measure.
Van was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Darryl Tucker, and her dear fur babies Jane, Molley, Pootie Butt, and Lucky-all of whom we know were waiting to greet her with open arms and wagging tails.
Van is survived by her darling person, soft place to fall, and husband of 17 years, Monty Holmes; her beautiful sons Casey Spicer and Eamonn (Ami) Spicer; her perfect grandchildren Annalen Spicer, Oakley Spicer, Ripley Spicer, Alyse Spicer, Charlotte Gibson; her bonus children Whitney (Andy) Gibson and Braden (Michelle Gay) Holmes; her furry loves Mr. B and Beck; her best friend and rock Janet (Gary) Greene; her brother Melvin C. (Theresa) Tucker III; her precious nieces Cate Tucker and Vivienne Tucker; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Williamson Medical Center for their tireless devotion to Van's care and comfort over the last month and all of her cherished friends who have seen to Monty's care and comfort during this time as well. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Williamson County Animal Center or adopting a furry friend for life.
A celebration of Van's remarkable life will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm at Franklin Mercantile in Franklin, TN. This is a casual event. Please come with your favorite stories and memories of Van.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Angela Marshall
May 1, 2025
Van had a profound impact on me. She believed in me before I believed in myself and pushed me to dream bigger. Her presence in my life was a gift I´ll always cherish. I´ll never forget her warmth, her fierce support, and those unforgettable hugs.
Thank you, Van. You´ll always be in my heart.
Janie West
April 7, 2025
What a brilliant and talented lady. Grateful to have known Van. Praying for God´s comfort for Monty and the family.
Margaret Dolan
April 3, 2025
I just was told of Van's passing. What an incredible loss for her family and friends and the broader community to which she was so devoted. I will miss her bright smile, keen intellect, and infectious laughter. She was always so willing to jump in and help out with anything. What a loss.
Dawn. Unetta
April 2, 2025
She came to my side and guided me in establishing the Juri Bunetta Friendship Foundation Golf Tournament . I´m sad to learn of her passing . Sending compassion to Monty and her boys . Thank you Van, everlasting love.
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Casey Del Casino
April 2, 2025
So sad and such a great loss. Van was terrific banker and over all wonderful woman! She will be sorely missed!
Kathy Armistead Olen
April 2, 2025
Van was an incredibly helpful, admirable, brilliant business friend when I worked with her during the 90s and early 2000s. I learned so much from her and always had the best time learning and laughing whenever we had the chance to meet. Sending love and hugs to her family especially her grandchildren that I am sure loved her beyond measure.
Nancy VanReece
April 1, 2025
Much love and light to Van´s closest and dearest friends and family. I will carry her wisdom with me as I move forward in her memory. She always encouraged me to embrace life and art and the people that bring us both like deep breaths.
Vicki Peach Akers
April 1, 2025
I´m so sad to hear of Van´s sickness and passing. Prayers go up for her dear family. We had a lot of fun in high school and after. I always knew she was so smart
Cindy Moskovitz
April 1, 2025
Just shocked and so saddened by this news. She was fierce and a real inspiration to so many. Sending sincere condolences to all who will surely miss her.
mark montgomery
April 1, 2025
Love and light to the family. Van was a powerhouse of a human. She will be missed. Life is short, hug your people.
Jill Napier
April 1, 2025
I was heartbroken to hear about Van´s passing. She was such a wonderful woman-her kindness, warmth, and that incredible laugh could light up any room. I will always be grateful for the ways she helped me in the past, and I feel lucky to have known her.
Please know that my thoughts are with you, Monty and your family during this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in the memories of her love and the joy she brought to so many.
Connie Case Thomas
April 1, 2025
This truly breaks my heart! Van was my best friend in junior high and high school as we grew up next door to each other. So many fun memories I have of us during this time. Though we lost touch over the years, my heart aches. Monte and Trey, Eamonn and Casey....praying for you as you adjust to your new normal. Sending love to you and your precious families.
Libby Callaway
April 1, 2025
Van - You were a singular personality with a big heart. You will be missed. Monty - sending you lots and lots of love. Your relationship was an inspiration to me and I can't imagine how much you miss her. LC
Tiger Grimes
April 1, 2025
Several years ago when I was serving on the Board of Visitors at BGA at the opening of a meeting that was the start of a new year , the Chairman asked for each of us to introduce ourselves and briefly state your connection to BGA. As we went around the group, I stated my name and connection . After completing the introductions, the very nice and attractive lady next to me said " Are you Kellye Grimes dad ?" It was Van ! What a joy to reconnect after all the years that had passed. I remembered her so well at Grassland ! The sweet young lady who wore glasses and played basketball with my daughter Kellye !!!!!!
Whitney
April 1, 2025
My favorite picture of you from our trip to MOMA
Carla Case Luckett
April 1, 2025
Monty, Trey, and the rest of the family... I am truly sorry! Obviously Van was very loved and will be missed by so many. My prayers will continue to be with you all in the months to come. Sending love to you all!
Carla Case Luckett
Susan stewart
April 1, 2025
Van was a leader, a champion of women and helped me so many times. I think about her all the time and how encouraging she was. She will be deeply missed.
Susan Stewart
Carrie Brown
April 1, 2025
Some more photos
Carrie Brown
April 1, 2025
In loving memory of my dear aunt Van, who brought warmth and joy to every moment spent together. I will forever cherish my first visit to their beautiful home which they called the ranch in Tennessee, where her passion for gardening bloomed as vibrantly as the flowers she nurtured. I can still picture her, hands gently tending to her plants, always surrounded by the lush greenery that she lovingly cultivated.
Her kitchen was a haven of delicious aromas, where she transformed the freshest ingredients into mouthwatering meals that brought our family together. Every dish she prepared was a reflection of her love and care, served with a generous helping of her infectious laughter.
Evenings were often spent lounging around with her beloved pets, the dogs and cats that filled their home with warmth and companionship. We of course listened to music and Monty played some guitar and Whitney, Braden and myself had some cousin fun, nothing like laughing with your cousin! Her gentle spirit and nurturing heart created an atmosphere where everyone felt welcome and loved. There was not a detail that was not thought about from fresh flowers she placed in the room they allowed me to sleep in, to the beautiful table napkins that I´m sure she ironed and made this the perfect detail to her southern charm. We got to Visit Joyce which was so fun and some golf too.
Though she may have left this world, her vibrant spirit will forever remain in our hearts, a testament to the joy she brought into our lives. I love you Van.
Marcus Whitney
April 1, 2025
I love you Van.
Jacob Jones
April 1, 2025
Van taught me so much in the short 10 years we knew each other, I´ll undoubtedly continue to learn constantly from those memories. You will be dearly missed friend.
Tammy Cooper
April 1, 2025
Van sent my daughter a beautiful art book from her registry for her wedding. She didn't know us at all. We never met, yet she remembered us with this beautiful book, that my daughter loved.
Sending love and prayers to my dear cousin, Monty and all of Van's family.
Christy Holmes Brown
April 1, 2025
You will be missed! With all our love, Ron and Christy Brown
Nancy Norman
March 31, 2025
My deepest condolences to Monty and the entire family and friends of Van. I met Van as a volunteer at the Williamson County Animal Center. I immediately took to Van's passion for the dogs and her steadfast dedication to them. There were days she didn't feel good, but that lady came in and cared for those furbabies. I would pray with Van when my sister was diagnosed with cancer; Van so kindly offered to help my sister through her journey using her own experience and strength. I will truly miss seeing her beautiful face in the mornings. I know in my heart that God put Van in charge of the Rainbow Bridge in heaven, where all our dogs go to wait for us. Van is the perfect one for the job. Keep walking, Van. Your time here on earth blessed my life, and I am changed for having known you. Love Nancy Norman
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