Mabel Oglesby Tucker, 81, passed on into eternal rest on May 19, 2018, surrounded by family and her dear friend Louise. She was born April 5, 1937, to Felton and Avo Oglesby in Portal, Georgia. She was one of ten children and is survived by her sister Bonnie Cowart and her husband Bill.

Mabel was married to her beloved Johnnie for 44 years before he passed away in 1997. She was a cherished longtime resident of Pooler, having raised numerous generations through her dedicated work at multiple daycares. Many people in town could trace their early years back to her.

As the matriarch of her family, Mabel left an indelible mark on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was, as one great-granddaughter put it, "like the sun. Everyone revolves around her and she helps us to live." Mabel talked to us about Jesus and how much he loves us. She showed us the difference between right and wrong and how to be gracious when the line between those is not so clear. She taught us all to be kind and compassionate. Anyone was welcome in her home, no matter what. She was a strong, independent woman who still knew the importance of relying on the community family provides. She knew when to have fun and when to be serious. She would complain about how loud all of us were, forgetting that she was the one who taught us how to be loud in the first place. She loved watching the Braves. Her biscuits and fried chicken were out of this world. She will be deeply missed.

Mabel is survived by her four children Edward Tucker (Donna), Elaine Coleman (Donny), Ronald Tucker (Robin), and Jackie Taylor (Don), as well as 12 grandchildren: Shaun Thurmon (Marilyn), Jennifer Witherington (John), John Tucker (Jessica), Lindsay Tucker, Laura Carlee (Trent), Dana O'Neal (Bubba), Daniel Tucker (Jillane), Matthew Tucker (Erica), Sally Kate Shake (Nelson), Jessica Adkins (Brian), Becki Hudgins (Justin), and Scotti Gerrald (Nicolas).

Mabel is also survived by 28 great-grandchildren: Piper, Emily, and Garrett Thurmon; Sadie and Parker Witherington; Tristen King, Chase Tucker, and Ainsley Tucker; Cailyn Barrow; Mattie, Gavin, Claire, and Sara Beth Carlee; Nadia, Raygan, and Jordan O'Neal; Woods and Wilkes Tucker; Ally Kate Tucker; Isla Mabel Shake; Lewis, Mica, Elliot, and Axel Adkins; Jackson, Carolyn, and Penelope Hudgins; and Abram Gerrald. She somehow remembered everyone's birthday and would call all 59 members to sing her rendition of "Happy Birthday".

Mabel spent her final months at Oaks at Pooler, where she also leaves behind a family of caregivers and friends who loved her like their own mother. Any gifts or contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Angel Fund at Oaks to honor both Mabel's memory and the wonderful care she received. Our family is so very thankful.

Visitation is 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 21st  at the Thomas C. Strickland and Sons Funeral Home in Pooler. There will also be a visitation at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the First Baptist Church of Pooler preceding the funeral at 10:00. The burial is at Hillcrest Abbey West.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – West Chatham Chapel (912) 748-2444