Edwina Ida "DeDe" Rucker

A mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Edwina "DeDe" Ida Rucker will on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The family will be receiving guests on Thursday, June 4, 2015 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. in the chapel at Clymer Funeral Home, 39 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast. Edwina was born December 8, 1931 to Cisero and Emma Warner (both deceased) in Brooklyn, New York. DeDe, as she was affectionately known by her family, spent her early childhood years in Brooklyn, NY where she attended Franklin K. Lane (PS 35) high school. Edwina's humble beginnings in the Big Apple did not deter or restrict her ambition to become all that she could be. So it was not surprising that upon obtaining her undergraduate degree from Queens College, in New York, and a Masters from University of South Florida that she chose a career in education. Edwina and her family moved to Ocala, Fl. where she started teaching for the Marion County public schools. The very first interview Edwina was offered the job on the spot. Very well liked and always dependable, Edwina had a true passion for helping all. Edwina taught special education for 30 years at the same school Lake Weir middle school, retiring in 1999. Edwina and John moved to Palm Coast, Fl. making this their home. Edwina joined St. Thomas Church, along with the AACS, and many more volunteering services throughout Palm Coast. Loved by everyone, Edwina was not only devoted to her family but, also to her church family (serving on the Vestry), and the board at AACS. After a long illness, Edwina departed this life on May 24, 2015 at Flagler hospital in Palm Coast, Fl. where she made her home for many years. Edwina was the oldest of two children and is survived by her devoted husband for over 50 years of marriage, John R. Rucker of Palm Coast FL, her son, John K. Rucker of Orlando, FL; stepsons, Daryl Rucker, and Douglas Rucker of Texas, her "one and only" niece, Doreen "Reeny' Mitchell of NJ, special daughter, April "Nicky" Price of Charlotte, NC, her brother-in-law, Curtis Harry of NY, her God brother, Harold (Eula) White of Charlotte, three grand-daughters, three grandsons, three great grandchildren, and a host of relatives, and extended nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Gary Adriene Webb (Yolanda) of Orlando, FL. and her youngest sister, Doris (Bootsie) Harry, of Far Rockaway, NY. Both were very instrumental in Edwina's life before departing. Edwina inspired and befriended those whom she met. Thus, friends rallied round her and maintained a schedule of visits including shopping for food throughout her confinement. We will never forget Mr. & Mrs. John Brown, Mr. Tom Thomas, Ms. Irena Burska, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, AACS, and others who prayed, called, and visited. What a blessing they have been and her family is extremely grateful to them. She dwelled in a spirit realm that reflected her inclusive nature. She taught tolerance by example and lived her life to the fullest given her circumstances. Edwina a fighter she was. Her courage and zest for life set an amazing example of fortitude, patience, and faith in God. She will be missed by all who loved her.
A special prayer to their nana:
Dear Heavenly Father as our Nana enters your kingdom may you send her back to us with her arms wrapped around us to continue to guide, and comfort us always. In Jesus name, and the Holy Father we pray. Amen Jamel & Jourdan Rucker (Your Gem & Jewel).
Donations may be made in Edwina's name to: AACS through; http://www.aacs.org/donate/. Arrangements for Mrs. Rucker were entrusted to Clymer funeral Home and Cremations.