Funeral: Danna Tucker

Danna Lynn Tucker was born October 7, 1948, in Kansas City, MO, and stepped from this life into eternity December 1, 2021, at home here in Kansas City at the age of 73 years, 1 month, and 24 days…after having faced ever increasing health challenges over the past year.

She was the younger of the two daughters born to James Franklin Eaves and Norma Thorpe Pointer…her older sister being Cheryl. These sisters enjoyed time together, especially picking on each other (stirring up ‘trouble’).

Danna graduated from Center High School, KC MO, in 1966. She was soon married to Bill Endsley in 1967. Unfortunately, that marriage would end in divorce. She later, in 1980, married again—to Tom Tucker. Through these relationships, God blessed Danna’s life with children. First born was her son, James “Jimmy” Endsley, in 1970…who tragically passed away in 2009. Second was her daughter, Shannon Elizabeth, in 1971, who…sadly…died just four days after she was born. Third was her daughter, Kaytie Lynne, born in 1982. Danna was also blessed with grandchildren—Madison (Endsley) Vanderhoff (with whom Danna had a special relationship enjoying many blessed times over the years), Jackson Andes Endsley, Mia Meuschke, Drew Meuschke, Tucker Meuschke, & Lyvia…AND one great grandchild—Ally Vanderhoff. Through it all, Danna loved all her family very, very much.

Alongside her family, Danna worked…eventually retiring from 25 years as office manager for the Jolley, Walsh Law Firm.

Through the years Danna and her family have had a connection with our church here—Claycomo Baptist Church. Her mom, Norma, was a longtime member. Danna attended here and was married here. Kaytie was baptized here and married here as well. I am thankful that our church has been able to be a blessing to them.

Both Kaytie and Cheryl have described Danna as a giver and one ready to serve/help others. In fact, teaching her family to serve ...through ministries at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, City Union Mission, and Salvation Army…was one of her great joys. She especially loved the Christmas season. Oh sure, she enjoyed trips with family, going to concerts (like Ricky van Shelton, Wayne Newton, and Elvis Presley!)—BUT, she found greater joy in giving to others, and that’s a let aspect of the Christmas season. She was so often very selfless in her thinking of and caring for others. Danna was a determined, hard worker…who instilled that ethic, especially, in Kaytie’s life.

Danna was also one who could be described as feisty and funny—funny even when she didn’t necessarily try to be. Once when shopping with her sister in Walgreen’s at Christmas, they knocked some things off a shelf in an aisle…and she walked away leaving Cheryl to be the sole culprit at the ‘scene of the crime.’ She was also Kaytie’s stalker…

Well, I know many other stories could be told; and I encourage you all to share those with each other in the days ahead. Funny and serious memories are precious treasures. Please take time to talk about those times with Danna with each other.

Danna has been preceded in death by her parents, Norma and James; and her children, Jimmy and Shannon. She is survived by her sister, Cheryl; daughter, Kaytie; grandchildren, Maddy, Jackson, Mia, Drew, Tucker, and Lyvia; and great granddaughter, Ally.

At this time Maddy is going to come and share with us and then Kaytie will as well.

Eulogies

Katie Meuschke

Song: Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

Message

At a time like this we talk about many things. We share memories. We laugh. We cry. We hurt. Family, to mourn and grieve the loss of your loved one is normal and right. A significant person in your life is no longer here. As we talked about earlier, please continue sharing your stories with one another. Laugh and cry together. Remember, you will never get over this…and that is normal and right, too. Sure, you will adjust to this new situation in your lives, but your relationship with Danna is just too significant to ever “get over” it. In fact, there will be times when you find yourself wishing for, longing for just one more conversation. Just one more family gathering. Just one more time together. Trust me, I get it.

In fact, today, I believe if we could have that opportunity for that conversation, that cup of coffee around the table…I believe Danna would want to share with us a few important truths she now knows better than any of us. Truth hopefully from which we can draw comfort.

FIRST, GOD IS REAL.

The Bible begins not by trying to prove that God exists, but rather spotlights Him front and center as the One who brings everything into being and keeps it all together.

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Romans 11:33-36 “Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.”

Such is now true in Danna’s experience. No doubt. God exists.

SECOND, WHAT GOD HAS SAID IS TRUE.

We find it in the Bible…and every word of it is true! From the account of God choosing to create everything we have had the privilege of exploring and enjoying (from the deepest part of the oceans to the farthest reaches of outer space)—what a magnificent artist!...to God choosing to show Himself to the world through the Hebrew people—His mighty ability to save (parting the Red Sea, Noah’s ark…

Isaiah 59:1 “Indeed, the Lord’s arm is not too weak to save, and his ear is not too deaf to hear.”

and his perfect character (perfect love and perfect justice). He has promised peace that passes understanding…

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

When we read in the New Testament of God’s ultimate plan, we come to my third truth I believe Danna would want us to know.

THIRD, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING GOD HAS SAID REGARDS JESUS CHRIST AND OUR RELATIONSHIP TO HIM.

This is what my friend in college would say is the bottom line. All of what God has said draws us to focus on Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God. At Christmas we remember that He was born to be…

Matthew 1.22-23 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.”

Luke 2.10-12 “But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.””

At Easter, He fulfilled that purpose by going to the cross and dying for our sin. The Bible says...

Hebrews 12.2 “keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

That fact is our hope. The strength to face death with confidence is to repent of your sin and place your faith in Jesus Christ to be your Savior and Lord. He is the one who stays closer than any brother and brings us that peace that passes understanding. I pray that everyone here has that hope and source of strength in their lives. Family, as you seek the strength you need for the days ahead, you will find it in the precious memories of your relationship with Danna…and, most importantly, in entrusting yourself to the truth God has revealed to us in His word.

Song: American Trilogy – Elvis Presley

Prayer

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