Stephen Edward Tucker

Obituary of Stephen Edward Tucker

Reverend Dr. Stephen Edward Tucker was born on September 18, 1948, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of the late Edward Tucker and Florence "Mama Tiny" Jean Tucker. He peacefully departed for his Heavenly Home

on September 10, 2025.

Pastor Tucker attended Crispus Attucks High School, where he excelled as a star basketball player, averaging 15–20 points per game. In one community tournament, he scored an astonishing 100 points. His athletic ability

and academic promise earned him a full scholarship to Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. It was there, in the university library, that he met the love of his life, Roberta Cornell.

While at Ball State, Pastor Tucker pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, with a deep passion for history. After graduation, he briefly taught history at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis before moving to Atlanta, Georgia.

On September 2, 1978, Pastor Tucker married Roberta Cornell, and together they shared 47 years of marriage. While in Atlanta, he worked as a Sales Manager with Union Carbide and was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Sr. ("Daddy King") and Dr. Joseph Roberts. His love for basketball continued, He was widely known as an excellent shooter and was even drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers

of the NBA. He also received an offer to play overseas.

A promotion with Union Carbide brought Pastor Tucker and Roberta to the Washington, D.C. area. They joined New Shiloh Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Harold A. Carter. It was at New Shiloh that the Lord began preparing Pastor Tucker for ministry. He faithfully served as Youth Leader, Men's Ministry Leader, Deacon, Superintendent of the Saturday Church School, and Youth Leader for the American Baptist Churches of the South. It was also at New Shiloh that he answered his call to preach the Gospel.

Pastor Tucker pursued theological studies at Saint Mary's Seminary & Ecumenical Institute in Baltimore, earning a Master of Theology, and later received a Doctorate from the Determined Biblical & Theological Institute. Known as an excellent teacher, preacher, and friend, he touched countless lives with his wisdom, compassion, and leadership.

In 1989, he was called to pastor New Bethany Baptist Church, where he quickly began visiting the sick, embracing the youth, and faithfully preaching each Sunday. In 1990, God called him to serve as the founding pastor of New Commandment Baptist Church, alongside First Lady Roberta, their daughter Steffani,and 22 charter members. Within just two years, the congregation grew to more than 200 members.

Under his leadership, New Commandment Baptist Church became a beacon of hope in the Park Morton neighborhood and surrounding communities. Pastor Tucker spearheaded ministries such as the substance abuse recovery program, A New and Living Way, food and bread distributions, clothing giveaways, weekly meals for the hungry, annual Thanksgiving dinners and Saturday Church School. He took special pride in the Jobs Partnership Program, developed with Mr. Dan Dyer, which helped many secure gainful employment.

Pastor Tucker also built respectful and lasting relationships with community members, law enforcement, civic leaders,councilmen, and churches across the DMV, Baltimore, Virginia, Delaware, and as far as North Carolina, South Carolina, and Indiana.

In 1998, Pastor Tucker was consecrated as an Overseer under the leadership of Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr., Senior Pastor Emeritus of Light of the World Christian Church of Indianapolis, Indiana. Over the years, he received many honors, including the George P. Shultz Award from Secretary of State Colin L. Powell for his tireless community service, and the National Edward Rhodes Award for Urban Ministry from the American Baptist

Churches, U.S.A.

In 2021, Pastor Tucker published his memoir, In the Wilderness in Urban Ministry, which chronicled his 23 years of ministry at New Commandment Baptist Church on Park Road, which was considered one of D.C.'s most turbulent blocks at that time.

Pastor Tucker also served on the boards of Project Bridges and the DC Students' Construction Trades Foundation, among many other denominational leadership roles. From 2021 to 2024, he faithfully served as President of the National Capital Baptist Convention of D. C. and Vicinity.

His presence made a lasting impact on countless lives, and he will be deeply missed.

Pastor Tucker leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, First Lady Roberta Tucker; two loving daughters, Kimberly Jeter (Dewayne) and Steffani McDaniel (Joel); five grandchildren, Jessica Alston (Willie), Dewayne Jeter, Jr. (Zoe), Kayden McDaniel, Jordyn McDaniel and Asy Alston; and three greatgrandchildren, Ziya and Zion Jeter. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Cornell and Joe Cornell (Karen); one sister-in-law, Martha Cornell; five nieces, Ashley Cornell, Cynthia Garrott, Tonia Moore, Retha Swain, and Latoeie Carpenter; one nephew, Sean Cornell (Jessica); several great nieces and nephews, five godchildren, Jovanna White, Marlon

Young, Michelle Weaver, and Mashica Larae; the New Commandment Baptist Church family; and a host of beloved cousins and friends.

A wake service will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. at the Righteous Church of God, 616 56th Street NE, in Washington, D.C.

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, a homegoing celebration for Pastor Stephen Tucker will be held at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 5120 Whitfield Chapel Road, in Lanham, Maryland, where the family will recieve friends from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with services to follow.

The interment service will be held at National Harmony Memorial Park immediately following the homegoing service.