Geraldine "Geri" Tucker

Mills River- Geraldine “Geri” Tucker, 72, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026 while in Regency Hospital in Anderson, South Carolina. Geri’s official residence was in Mills River. Born June 7, 1954 in San Diego County, CA, she was preceded in death by her beloved mother and father, who resided in Hendersonville, and currently are resting in peace at the Black Mountain VA Cemetery.

Geraldine was known as Geri to the many friends she had in the Asheville area as well as many more located around the country. She was affectionately known as “Little Mom Mom” to her two granddaughters.

She is survived by her husband Paul Casper, her brother Michael Prior, her son Ashley Tucker, her Daughter Elizabeth Amann, her son-in-law Jeremy Amann, and her two teenage granddaughters Daphne and Sophia.

Geri’s early years were on a ranch in southern California, where she learned to love the outdoors, the animals on the ranch, and exploring by horseback with her brother Michael…….and serving a snack of dogfood when Michael got hungry….

Geri eventually grew into a striking young woman, spent two years in a convent in California, married, and eventually settled in the Asheville area. She was employed for many years by Brookdale Senior Living (Dementia Care) in Asheville, where she was the Marketing Director. Prior to that position, she was the Executive Director at various Brookdale Facilities around the Carolinas.

On February 9th, 2025, Geri married Paul Casper in a fairy tale Downton Abbey themed ceremony planned and executed by her daughter Elizabeth. It was followed by a glorious National Geographic Honeymoon Cruise in Costa Rica.

Upon returning home Geri was stricken by a terrible disease and spent most of the next 18 months in various hospitals, ultimately passing away.

Geri was a long-time member of the Asheville North Seventh Day Adventist church, where she occupied many important positions and is beloved by everyone that came in contact with her.

Geri’s wishes were to be cremated. A private service for family will be held at the Western Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery Chapel. On a date to be announced, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Fletcher Seventh-Day Adventist Church, on the grounds of the Fletcher Academy, 1141 Howard Gap Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

In lieu of flowers, Geri would have wished that donations be sent to the Asheville North Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 364 Broadway Street, Asheville, NC 28801, marked for the Building Fund.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.