Theresa D. Rucker

Theresa Dorothy Price Rucker was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the tender age of 101 years young. Theresa was born on Thursday, September 18, 1924 to the late Virgil Price and Larcena Meggett Price in Chapin, South Carolina. This union was blessed with five children, Nezzie, McLean, Howard, Virgil and Theresa with Theresa being the youngest sibling. Theresa, at the age of thirteen, seeking a more rounded education, moved to Chester, Pennsylvania to live with her eldest sibling, Nezzie and her cousin Flanzie Hollingsworth. Theresa continued her education in the Chester City Public School System at Fredrick Douglas Junior High School. While attending Douglas, Theresa was selected as the very first “Miss Douglas.” This was no small achievement. The title of “Miss Douglas” was a prestigious honor that recognized a female student’s academic excellence, leadership, moral character and school spirit. The winners served as role models to their peers, led parades, appeared at community events and represented the school at functions city wide. After graduating from Fredrick Douglas Junior High School, Theresa returned home and began her high school career at the Harbison School in Irmo, South Carolina (near the Chapin border). In the 1930’s the school operated as a co-educational institution for African Americans offering academic, religious and vocational training. Upon graduating, Theresa, chose to serve her country in the United States Army during World War II. She joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in 1944. Members of WAC were the first Corps of women to officially serve in the United States Army beyond the role of a nurse. Their non-combative duties included anything from clerical work to radio operator to mechanic. This made them invaluable in the successful conclusion of World War II. In July of 1946, Theresa received her honorable discharge from the United States Army at the rank of Corporal. Theresa chose to be of service after her return to Chester. She enrolled in the Bell School of Nursing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She successfully completed the course of study to graduate as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). For years, Theresa worked with various doctor’s offices throughout Delaware County, Pennsylvania. In the early 1960’s, Theresa decided she would like to experience working in a hospital environment. She applied and was hired by Chester Hospital as the first African American Licensed Practical Nurse. Today, that hospital is known as Crozer Chester Medical Center. In the early 1950’s, Theresa met a handsome young man named Joe Robert Rucker. They dated, fell in love and married on September 3, 1951. This union of love was blessed with four children. Patricia Joanne, Donna Lynn, Theresa (Terry) Marie and Larcena Price. This thirty-four-year union until the passing of Joe in May 1986. Theresa loved the Lord! She was a devout Catholic for more than seventy years. In the 1950’s, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Chester, Pennsylvania became her lifelong spiritual home. Theresa served her church unconditionally. She was a member of the IHM Gospel Choir. She served on the Liturgy, Evangelization, Financial and Social Committees to name a few. Theresa has chaired and worked on many fund-raising events for the advancement of IHM Church and School. Her fried chicken, pound cakes and apple cobblers were legendary! Theresa was also a member of the Charismatic Movement and greatly devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was a member of Rosary Cenacles, faithfully reciting the Rosary daily. For many years she opened her home to others so they could pray, recite the Rosary and grow in Faith. Theresa loved to travel domestically and internationally. She especially enjoyed visiting places of spiritual significance. Theresa visited Italy, Spain, Medjugorje and Israel (The Holy Land). She also visited Alaska, The Caribbean, New Orleans, Las Vegas and many other places. Theresa was an avid Philadelphia Sports Fan! While she loved them all, she was especially dedicated to the Philadelphia Eagles. GO BIRDS!! Theresa was preceded in death by her husband Joe Robert, two daughters Donna Lynn and Theresa (Terry) Marie, one sister Nezzie Price, three brothers McLean, Howard and Virgil Gene Price, one son-in-law Willie Miller. Theresa leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters Patricia Brame (Fred), Larcena Miller, one bonus daughter Darine Banner, two grandchildren Lesley Brame and Kevin Rucker Sr., four bonus grandchildren Dwayne Miller, Calvin and Rodney Mason and Daria Davidson, three great grandchildren Kevin Jr., Karim and Kayla Rucker, four nephews Ronald, Virgil (Randy), Trani Price and Darnell Penn, five nieces Linda Davis, Pamela Parks, Victoria Jessup, JoAnn Penn-Russell and Cynthia Penn-Halal, a daughter-in-love Rene’ Hunt, a sister in faith, Mary Stock and a host of relatives and friends. Theresa was a dedicated godmother who took joy in her beloved godchildren. As the first to call her “god mom” from birth, Charlita Stewart Shamburger and Theresa shared a loving bond that will forever remain. Theresa Dorothy Price Rucker beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, niece, cousin, godmother and friend left an indelible mark on everyone that was blessed to know her. Theresa will be forever missed! If you would like to give a gift of love in honor of Theresa Rucker, please consider donating to Saint Katherine Drexel Parish. Click the link below: https://share.google/Qpbo6p5IgXgC5UnL1 SELECT: Give As Guest SELECT: Friends of St. Katharine Drexel Parish ENTER DONATION AMOUNT: ADD MEMO: "In Memory of Theresa Rucker"

Theresa D. Rucker

September 18, 1924 - March 10, 2026