Evelyn "Betty Jo" Tucker Sermon, 94, native of Palatka and longtime resident of Daytona Beach, peacefully entered the sunset of life on Monday, October 16, 2023, at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast. A bundle of joy to Willie E. Tucker, Sr. and Felmer Spell Tucker, Evelyn was born on Thursday, December 13, 1928. She was the only child for 18 years until her brother, Willie, Jr., and subsequently her sister, Amelia Linda were born. Growing up in the rural area of Palatka, off of Moody Road and SR20, she was surrounded by her cousins, John Henry, Albert, Raymond, Jacob, Cora, Lilly, and many others. She shared stories of her and her cousins walking from Moody Road to downtown Palatka to attend school. She was a 1946 graduate of Central Academy High School. During her high school years, she met Evelyn Smith and Erma Boyd and they bonded to become the 3 E's and they ultimately became lifelong friends (sisters) for over 75 years.

She continued her pursuit of education at Bethune-Cookman College (BCC) and subsequently returned home to assist her parents in operating their family's business. In 1947, she met and was united in marriage to Albert Sermon and they became the honored parents of four children: Albertina, D'Arcy, Alvester, and Allyson. In March 1970, her loving husband transitioned unexpectedly. Following his transition, Evelyn relocated to Daytona Beach to further her education at BCC, earning her Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1976. While attending college, she was employed at May Cohens as "The Shoe Lady" for 7 years, and later employed at Valencia College, Orlando in the Registration Office for one year. Returning to Daytona, she was employed as a desk clerk at Howard Johnson. She returned to "BCC" as a student accountant until 1996.

Mother Evelyn was a very talented seamstress and sewed for countless people. She could measure a person and sew for them without the need for a pattern and she enjoyed sewing until her declining vision prevailed. She joined and helped create the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary in 1978. She became a life charter member and worked tirelessly with AMVETS as local President, Treasurer, Secretary, and State Secretary. Mother Evelyn coordinated many events as scholarship chair to provide numerous scholarships for students in the Volusia County region. In 1977, she joined Allen Chapel AME Church of Daytona Beach and was a committed servant of the Lord.  She was affectionately known as "Tuck" "Lala" "Mama" and last but not least, "Big Mama".

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in eternal rest by her daughter, Albertina Sermon; brother, Willie Elmo Tucker, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Ruth C. Sermon; granddaughter, Ashley D. Sermon.

She leaves to cherish her memories: son, Alvester Lamont Sermon, Sr.; daughters, D'Arcy (James) Miller, Cheryl Allyson (Woodrow) Wilson; grandchildren, April (Corey) Sermon Davis, Latice M. (Darrell) Polite, Saraya D. Miller, Alvester (Nikki) Sermon, Jr., Chelsea Wilson, Angelo Sermon, Kyla Wilson; great grandchildren, Brittney Roberts, Cornelius Davis, Jamell Passmore, Ja'Saun Mosley, Kamari Thomas; great-great grandson, Carson Davis; sister, Amelia Linda Lou Braggs, Old Bridge, NJ; and a host of nieces, nephews, other caring family and friends including, her AMVET Ladies Auxiliary Bridge and special friend, Ms. Essie Smith; lifelong friend, Deaconess Erma B. Hines; goddaughter, Loretta Sermon Bartley, Miami; cousins, Jacob (Annie Mae) Spell, Cora S. Williams, Rose Elridge Hall.

Visitation: 4-6 pm, Friday, October 27, Allen Chapel AME Church, 580 George W. Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL. Celebration of Life: 11 am, Saturday, October 28, Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177, Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Pastor and eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.