LILLIAN INEZ TUCKER THOMAS, 76, of New York, New York, daughter of the late Dorothy Inez Penn Tucker and the late Frank Tucker, wife of the late Daniel (Chief) Thomas, transitioned on Saturday, August 20, 2022. She was born in Montclair, New Jersey and later moved to New York City where she spent many years living in a trendy Upper West Side neighborhood where family and friends benefited from her enchantment with the City. She loved where she lived. She was truly a New York City girl.
Lillian graduated from Montclair High School, in Montclair, New Jersey and was a graduate of Virginia State College in Petersburg, Virginia, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She was employed for several years as an accountant for The American Cyanamid Corporation. Later, she realized that working in this capacity was not her “God given” calling and made the decision to pursue her interest in fashion, design and dressmaking. Lillian had an eye for fabrics, color coordination, and fashion trends. She was considered a “show stopper” when it came to her physical presentation and often admiring eyes would turn toward her when she entered a room. As a result of her talents and skills, she was often asked to create, design and or select a wardrobe for others. It was always her wish to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) or Pratt School of Design in New York City.
Lillian was a successful entrepreneur. She was motivated by her parental entrepreneurial history going back to 1906. Following the lead of her father, a highly successful businessman and civil rights activist and her mother, a dedicated social worker who was committed to helping others achieve better opportunities and a better life, Lillian opened two retail stores; “Sticks and Stones” which was located in East Orange, New Jersey where she sold imported, unique household furnishings and “Stunning” which was located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where she sold avant -guarde women’s fashions.
Lillian also founded an entertainment company, Focus on Fun Entertainers, providing opportunities for creative artists to perform special events for children and adults, throughout the New York City metropolitan area. She loved the entertainment business because of the excitement and fun it provided for children and adults as well as for herself, for Lillian was always a child at heart. Lillian also flourished in the relationships with the performers who were free spirits like herself. One of the highlights of the business was performing on The David Letterman Show, after which she received a personal thank you and letter of appreciation from David Letterman for the superb entertainment provided.
Lillian was known for her brilliance, sharp wit, sense of humor and for freely expressing what was on her mind. One always knew where they stood with her. Her mother often said that she should become a lawyer because “you have an answer for everything”
Lillian was a free spirit full of wonder and whose generosity, compassion and sense of purpose provided inspiration for those who knew her. Lillian had an indomitable will, tenacity and strength. She loved animals.
Lillian is survived by her sister Francine Tucker Diggs and brother-in-law Ronald Diggs, many loving cousins and a host of friends.
A celebration of life will be held at the Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 1:00 PM. For those who can not attend in person if you would like to watch the Live-streaming of this service at the scheduled time please click HERE.
In lieu of flowers and in her memory, donations can be made to the Baltimore Animal Shelter (BARCS) by mail (2940 Giles Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21225 ) or online at BARCS.org. Please include “In loving memory of Lillian Tucker Thomas”.
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