Lola Demetris Harrison Tucker—known to most as Demetris or Metris, but lovingly called "Meatball" by her nieces and nephews—passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at UNC Healthcare "Grace Hospital" in Morganton, NC. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and an endless supply of sayings that could stop you in your tracks and leave you laughing for days.

Born May 13, 1944, in Morganton, NC, to the late Jullious and Lola Pearson Harrison, Demetris grew up on Claywell Street, where she mastered the art of being both a firecracker and a soft heart. She attended Olive Hill School during segregation and was one of seven children. She is preceded in death by her brothers Eugene "Buster" Fleming, Earl Fleming, Jullious "Booty-Boy" Harrison, and Vernon Harrison, as well as her sister Gail Harrison. Her nickname "Meatball" came with irony—she was skin and bones growing up. Later in life, however, she gained quite a bit of weight, and everyone lovingly agreed that "Meatball" had finally grown into her name.

Demetris married the late James "Jimmy" Tucker, and together they had twins: Alex Edward Tucker and Annie Rebecca Tucker. She is preceded in death by her husband Jimmy and her daughter Annie Rebecca, who passed away 23 years ago. Demetris was heartbroken by her daughter's passing, but she kept Annie's memory alive every single day, carrying her in her heart and in her stories. Left to cherish her memory are her devoted son, Alex Tucker (Allison) of Morganton; her loyal sister and caretaker of many years, Vivian Martin of Morganton; Sister-in-law: Mary Tucker Garrison; six grandchildren: Hannah Rebecca, Alera Rain "Ale," Destiny Renee, Bradley Edward, Faith Rosalee, and Christian Edward Tucker; and more than 100 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews—each of whom would argue that they were her "favorite."

Though Demetris never drove a car, she somehow never missed a single event. She was always there—whether it was a ball game, graduation, birthday, or baby shower. She was proof that when you love your people, you find a way. She was also a loyal friend to many, and her home and heart were always open. Some of her greatest joys were family sleepovers, where laughter carried on late into the night, and beach trips, where she soaked in the sun and the waves with the same joy she brought everywhere she went.

"Meatball" wasn't just an aunt—she was the cheer squad, the chauffeur (via someone else's car), the comedian, and the one who showed up every single time. She helped raise her great-nephew, Minister Jullian Harrison, and beamed with pride at his accomplishments, especially seeing him graduate from college and step into ministry—even from his wheelchair, she saw nothing but strength, perseverance, and greatness in him.

Demetris worked hard throughout her life, retiring as a CNA from Britthaven Nursing Facility after years of caring for others. Before that, she worked in the laundry department at Britthaven, Case Farms (formerly Breeden's), proving that no job was beneath her when it came to providing for her family. She was a proud member of The American Legion Post 322 Auxiliary, volunteered with Girl Scouts, the NC School for the
Deaf, and local schools, and was a faithful member of Slades Chapel AME Zion Church. In 2024, she was honored as Mother of the Church—a title she wore with pride and joy. She once sang with the "Voices of the Chapel Choir," belting out hymns and always requesting the "Oldies but Goodies" when it came to music at home.

Her health challenges never defined her. Instead, they gave her more material for her quick wit. Her colorful "colloquialisms" (nobody ever knew where she came up with them) kept her family laughing through the toughest times. She loved animals, especially dogs, and poured her heart into every life she touched.

If love, laughter, and loyalty were riches, Demetris "Meatball" Tucker was wealthier than anyone could imagine. She was the life of the party, the joy in the room, and the glue that held family together. Her family will forever treasure her memory and the way she reminded them—no matter what—to laugh, live, and love one another.

A homegoing celebration honoring the life and memory of Ms. Lola Demetris Tucker will take place Saturday September 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Corpening Memorial Chapel of McCain Funeral Home & Cremations; interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

The service will be live streamed on the McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook page and YouTube Channel; the links are found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4qb7IT7sO-Kc0BRs05J-A