Next February 25 will mark a poignant occasion for Dalton E. Tucker Primary School, when the community observes what would have been the 100th birthday of its matriarch.

The life of Mrs Tucker, a respected teacher and volunteer who died on Tuesday at the age of 99, will be celebrated on that date, school principal Tajauna Dean said.

The school was originally Southampton Glebe until the class of 1969 petitioned the Board of Education to have it renamed after its principal.

Roger Lambert, one of the members of that class, described Mrs Tucker as a powerful motivator for her students.

“She was very encouraging to us young black guys and our parents, for us to go to the private schools on the Island,” Mr Lambert said.

“That was very new, back in the upper 1960s, for black guys to go to schools like Saltus or Warwick Academy.

“She encouraged us to pass our exams and was very proud of parents who expected their children to go to these schools.”

Calm and friendly, Mrs Tucker was nonetheless “strong on discipline”, he added.

“She was a small lady, but she didn’t play,” Mr Lambert said, recalling an occasion when a boy was spotted smoking at the bus shelter.

Mrs Tucker got all the students who had been smoking to come forward. They were given letters to take home to their parents — with the understanding that they would be in worse trouble if the letter was not delivered.

A staunch member of the Brethren Church, Mrs Tucker was devoted to her faith, offering Bible classes and directing morning prayers at school assemblies.

Former Member of Parliament Dale Butler recalled working alongside Mrs Tucker at the Robert Crawford School for boys after she had retired as principal of Southampton Glebe in 1974.

“She was determined to continue what she saw as a double ministry: the ministry of the Christian church and the ministry of educating people. She was very passionate about both,” he said. “She never had to raise her voice. She was an excellent disciplinarian because the students respected her, and she was highly valued by the rest of the staff.

“Mrs Tucker used to bring clothing for boys who needed it, and she even fed them — she was constantly bringing in pots of soup. Many of them could not afford lunch.

“I really admired her as a teacher when I had the opportunity to sit in her classes.

“Not only was she a leader; she produced successful teachers.

“They all had the format for success, which was ‘beat them on performance’. It didn’t make a difference how much better you thought the other students were — by doing what was expected of you, you would beat them on performance.”

In a statement last night, the Progressive Labour Party described Mrs Tucker as “a legendary educator in the West End” whose influence had been immeasurable.

“We thank her for her contribution to her community and wish her family and friends comfort during this time.”

A viewing is scheduled for this Friday, 7.30pm to 9pm, at Amis Memorial Chapel; an additional viewing is scheduled for 2pm on Saturday at the First Church of God, with her funeral set for 3pm.