Zenova Joyce Rucker

Zenova Joyce Rucker, 80, of Telephone, TX, fell asleep peacefully in death at Texoma Medical Center in Denison with her daughter by her side on Saturday evening, January 16, 2021.

Born August 15, 1940 the 6th child of Leonard and Zenova "Sis" Austin Shaw in Telephone, TX.  Her grandparents were William and O'Rilla Shaw and Frank and Arabella Austin.

She attended public schools in the Carson, TX Community and graduated from Bralley-Pendleton, Honey Grove, TX Class of 1958 as Valedictorian.  She continued to take various courses while working full time as a supervisor and raising her daughter.  She met and married her husband, James E. Rucker, in 1974 in Pacoima, California while he was on military leave from the Army.  They lived in Hawaii, Germany, Kentuckey, El Paso, etc. She was able to travel to the Caribbean, Italy, France and other destinations.  She retired in Telephone, TX where she enjoyed fishing, gardening, dominos, daily bible reading and practicing her excellent cooking skills.

She was known for her beautiful smile, out going personality and making everyone she met feel special.

She is survived by her only child Michele Hill of Bonham, TX, younger brother Alonzo Shaw of Telephone, TX, step grandson Jerimye (Stacey) of Saname, CA, honorary daughter Felicia Clark Jackson (Doug), honorary grandchildren Traceton Clark, Cameron Clark, Amber Clark and Sommer Jackson, brothers and sisters in law: Ray Evelyn Butler, Adib-Hassan (Zatinah) Omar, Ronnye (Cathy) Rucker, E.D. (Cheryl) Rucker, Richard (Diane) Murphy, Carl Howard Murphy, Jr, Dexter (Charmine) Murphy, Darryl (Darlene) Murphy and Cheryl Murphy.  She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and honorary children of the heart whom she cherished.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years James E. Rucker, parents, grandparents and siblings Rella Collins, Bernice Moore, Clara Horn, Frank Shaw and Ernest Shaw; mother in law Susie Gooden and brothers in law Mark Murphy and Charles Butler.

Viewing will take place on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 9:00 A.M. until 6:30 P.M. at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home.  Graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mark Cemetery in Dodd City, TX. 

Revelation 21:4 "God will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning, not outcry nor pain"

Mask and social distancing required.