By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
The Atmore Area Hall of Fame Committee has made its selection for the 2024 inductees. They are Velma Jackson-Wilkins, Foster Kizer, Lavan Martin, James McNeil, Howard H. Patterson Sr., Dr. Delaine Salter, and Rev. Monroe Tucker.
The committee is changing the induction ceremony this year. Rather than an evening event, it will be held Sunday afternoon, May 19, at 2 p.m., at The Club. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served following the ceremony and everyone is invited to stay for a time of fellowship and visit with the inductees and their families.
Tickets for the induction ceremony are $25, and everyone attending (regardless of age) must have a ticket. Tickets are available at the Atmore News Office, 128 S. Main Street – cash or check only, no credit or debit cards. Seating is limited.
Members of the committee are President Billy Conn Madison, Charlotte Boyle,
Sherry Digmon, Larry Forney, Ann Gordon, Anthony Marshall, Dr. Ullysses McBride, Myrna Monroe, and Lori Stinson.
Each week, Atmore News will feature one of the inductees. This week, the Rev. Dr. Monroe Tucker Jr. is featured.
The Rev. Dr. Monroe Tucker Jr.
Jesus Christ said, “Go and make disciples.” (Matt. 28:18). The Rev. Dr. Monroe Tucker Jr. took that command to heart.
Rev. Tucker began his Christian journey at the age of 7 and accepted his calling to preach at the age of 14. He later became a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Prichard, Ala., under the leadership of the late Dr. Elijah L. White, where Rev. Tucker was inspired and encouraged to move further in his Christian education. He attended the Easonian Baptist Seminary of Birmingham.
Rev. Tucker is one of the founders of the E.L. White Theological Seminary School in Prichard, where he received his theological degrees. He was the second president of the seminary, currently serves on the board of directors, and is an instructor.
At one time, Rev. Tucker had the opportunity to pastor two churches at one time, however, he accepted the call to pastor at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church near Atmore.
Most of his greatest achievements came as a result of being pastor of Mt. Olive. He accomplished two trips to Ghana West Africa; served as a Moderator of the Eastern Shore Progressive District; served as Treasurer and Chairman of the Educational Board of the National Baptist Convention of America, INC.; Christian Watchman United; served as an instructor and mentor with We Care Ministry; taught seminary classes at Fountain Correctional Center; on the board of the Halfway House as well as a mentor; became a writer for Atmore News; was a member of the Atmore Area Christian Care Ministry board; served as a Chairman on the United Fund board and received an award in 2023 for being the longest standing UF board member; participated in the National Day of Prayer; received an award for his unwavering dedication and leadership (Pastor Emeritus); teaches the Word every Sunday at 4 p.m. on local radio station WBZR in Atmore.
From his ministry at Mt. Olive, Rev. Tucker ordained the following ministers: Rev. Charles Johnson, Rev. Allen Johnson, Rev. Brian Johnson, Rev. Michael Jackson, Rev. Donzelle Young, Rev. Gordon Brooks Sr., the late Rev. Nick Hazley and the late Rev. Jacob Archie.
On Sunday, April 24, 2022, Rev. Tucker retired with 38 years of Pastoral Services with Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.
Rev. Tucker attended Lincoln High School and graduated at the top of his class. He attended Talladega College and served in the Air Force for four years. He also served as a Scout Master at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.
Rev. Tucker and his wife Nora live in Atmore.