Ethel Mai Rucker

Ethel Mai Hendren Rucker was born September 1, 1942, in Nashville, Tn. to the late Prince Albert Hendren and Callie Young Hendren. She was the only child to this union. She departed this life on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at her residence in Old Hickory, Tennessee.

Ethel accepted Christ in her life at an early age.

Ethel married the love of her life, Harvey Lee Rucker, on February 27, 1965. They were Jr. High sweethearts. Two sons were born to this union Harvey, Jr. and Derek D. Rucker.

Ethel was educated in the Nashville Davidson County Public Schools. She attended Napier Elementary and Cameron High School. She continued her education and attended Tennessee State University where she received her BS and Master of Education Degrees.

Ethel began her teaching career in Hopkinsville, Ky. When she left Kentucky, she began teaching at St. Vincent Depaul and later taught in Lebanon, Tn. at Sam Houston Elementary School. She left the classroom to become a guidance counselor. She retired from education after a rewarding 35 years.

Ethel was a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Prince Albert and Callie Hendren.

Those left to cherish her loving memories are her devoted husband, Harvey Rucker, Sr., sons, Harvey Rucker, Jr., and Derek D. Rucker, grandson, Andre Lee Rucker and granddaughter Briana Rucker, three great-grandchildren, first cousin, first cousin, Vera (Bishop Sherman) Merritt Eugene Smith, Eva (Charles) Henderson, Jean McLauren, Duwon Perry, Phillip Hendren, close friends, Juanita Johnson, Juanita Smith, Raquel Dowell, Mary Johnson, George and Linda Crutcher a host of other relatives and friends.