Marjorie Gay Tuck

Marjorie Anderson Gay was born in Coral Gables, Florida, on August 13, 1935 to Marjorie Anderson Gay and Forrest Theodore Gay, Jr. She grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, with many relatives nearby. She moved with her family to Chicago, Illinois, when she was 15 and graduated from Taft High School as president of the student council. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Duke University, and a master’s degree in history at Peabody College, now Vanderbilt University. In 1959, she married Russell R. Tuck, Jr., from Bradford, Tennessee. They raised two children, Russell R. Tuck, III, and Catherine Elizabeth Tuck, in Kirkwood, Missouri. She taught history in suburban St. Louis County. She dedicated her life to raising her children, and to church and civic responsibilities. Marjorie was active in PEO, garden club, the Landscape Design Council, and the hospital auxiliary. She served as deacon chair and moderator of Kirkwood Baptist Church. In 1984, Marjorie and Russell moved to Riverside California, where Russell served as President of California Baptist College (now University) for 10 years. During this time, Marjorie was a significant force and was the consummate host in formal entertaining and casual gatherings in their homes. She was on the Board of the Mission Inn foundation and gave her time to many other community and statewide groups. Her kindness and patience were gifts she gave to everyone, whether reading with grandchildren, teaching, or with students or faculty at CBC. She was warm and was a connector, making sure newcomers felt as welcome as old friends. She was first to notice if someone needed help, would sit with people for hours if needed, and gave love unconditionally. Marjorie and Russell retired and moved to Gainesville, Virginia, in 2001, to be near Catherine’s family. During this time, Marjorie experienced some ill health which slowed her down, but she was gentle and kind, and loved by all who knew her. Marjorie was a successful leader who was known for leading beside and with people by gathering others seeking to go in the same direction. She was compassionate, loving, caring, and a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Russell R. Tuck, Jr; two children, Russ (Debbi) in Wenham, Massachusetts and Catherine (David Parrish) in Rockville, Maryland; four grandchildren, Daniel Tuck, and Amy (Ed) Tuck Lindem, Alexandra Parrish, Christopher Parrish; her brother Forrest T. Gay, III and many relatives in Florida. Visitation will be at 1 pm on February 11, 2023 at Manassas Baptist Church (8730 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA). The funeral service will be held at Manassas Baptist Church at 2 pm, followed immediately by a reception. Memorials may be sent to Manassas Baptist Church, 8730 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20110.

Marjorie Gay Tuck

August 13, 1935 - January 29, 2023