Ramona (Mona) Leah Targia
Mona was one of the kindest, most caring, and generous persons you could ever meet. She was a remarkable woman who had to overcome many obstacles in her life. She only let it make her stronger. All she showed people was a soft and gentle side. She had a lot of strength. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She always cared about the children who had nothing. Mona would help anyone. She loved to see people smile even when she had troubles herself.
Family was so important to her. She loved her children, 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She always believed the best in people. She always kept her faith in God, even when her health failed. She believed God does not give us more than we can handle. We are truly blessed for having known her. Even in her death, she was able to give to someone else. We are so proud to be a part of her life and blessed to be able to call her Mom.
She will live in the hearts of those she touched. We are sure her generous heart has truly earned her a place with God. She will be truly missed and loved for eternity.
Robert G. Taylor
Robert G. Taylor (Bobby to me) was a very special man with a real zest for life. He was a big man, 6’-3”, 290 pounds and a Vietnam survivor. Bob was a salesman and top dog for many years in his company.
Bob never met a stranger, like the old saying goes, but it’s true in Bob’s case.
We met and married in Winter Park, FL love at first sight for us both. Soon afterward we moved to Greensboro, NC, purchased a house on the very same street I grew up on, and my family became his family. Bob treated my son from a previous marriage just like his own son. He enjoyed family get-togethers.
In some ways, Bob was still a kid at heart. He loved muscle cars, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the water and boats. We spent many a hot summer day cruising Smith Mountain Lake with our two dogs. Annie was his favorite. We always had dogs.
Bob loved to laugh, and was quick with funny comebacks. He also loved action movies.
We sold our two story home 19 years later for a one level home. Bob could no longer navigate the steps in our former home.
We had just purchased an RV to travel the USA, but sadly, this was not to be.
Bob passed away suddenly on February 13, 2006, the day before I was scheduled to have hip replacement surgery. Having had two hip replacements himself, he promised he would take good care of me. My surgery was done on April 28, 2006 and I knew he kept his promise.
Bob Taylor was my friend, my husband, my soul mate. I feel lucky to have had 24 years with him and I just wish I had 24 more years to look forward to. I will miss him always.
His wife,
Bessie Taylor
Fred S. Thomas
December 19, 1935 - February 23, 2006
Wife: Carole - Fred was my beloved soul mate and the joy of my life.
Children: Karen, Sherry, Tony, Mark, Brian
Grandchildren: Sophie, Riley, Nicholas, Mark, Jr., Trevor, Taylor
Fred was retired from the U.S. military, having served in the Navy and Marine Medical Corps. He served in the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts. He was also retired as Security Director of Hanes Mall Management Staff.
He derived such joy from spending time with his children and grandchildren and the fellowship of special close friends whom he loved dearly. He was a beautiful and courageous man who always had a smile and uplifting spirit, even in his most painful moments. He refused to let declining health and physical limitations affect his spirit and his love of life and people, never complaining even when the pain was unbearable. His kindness and generosity will be fondly remembered forever by all of us who loved him.
He loved to travel, especially loved the beach and going on cruises, and enjoyed his antique cars as long as his health permitted.
He was so proud of the time he served his country in the military. He had seen the world and enjoyed it to the fullest. He loved sharing these memories of his world experiences.
James Joseph (Joey) Tucker
Our son was truly a miracle child. He died in the womb on December 7, 1987 and had to be resuscitated 30 minutes prior to delivery. He died on August 26, 2006 in a single car accident on his way home from a performance. Joey was an extremely talented blues guitarist with a very promising future. Joey had overcome a lot of obstacles in his life, and he became a better person and man with God’s help. At the time of his death, Joey was in college to achieve a degree in Sound Engineering. Not only did he want to continue writing and performing, but he also wanted to work toward a career in the studio as an accomplished sound engineer. Joey’s eyes saw more and knew more in his short 18 years than most of us ever see or know in a lifetime. He seemed to not only touch, but affect everyone he met. His father and I, along with a long line of family, friends, and fans will miss him terribly. However, we rejoice in the fact that somewhere out there are two people who our beloved Joey has not only touched with his giving heart, but affected with his beautiful eyes. For more about the life of Joey Tucker please visit the Angel Band Foundation website at www.angelbandfoundation.com. The Foundation was created in his memory, to help musicians young and old, to keep live music alive and growing.
Davis Tucker
Shannon Gregg
Jerry Victor Tucker
November 1, 1943 March 1, 2006
An early November day was the beginning of a bright shining star. By the time he entered the ninth grade, the cute, outgoing, well-liked kid was on his way. Music was a love of his. He and his trumpet became part of the Albemarle Senior High School Marching Band. Another interest was dancing the shag. Fond memories include the numerous times he and a group of his friends appeared on a Charlotte TV show, Kilgo’s Kanteen. He was so well-liked by his classmates that in his senior year they voted him cutest, most talkative, and most popular.
After high school he attended East Carolina University where he pledged a fraternity, along with two of his friends. Following college came a promising proposal from a major oil company, which he accepted. His life was moving towards a bright and promising future. Marriage was the next important step in his life; however, at this time another major influence began to show itself, the influence of alcohol. This subsequently ended his marriage. From this marriage, he was blessed with a beautiful baby girl, but due to his circumstances, he did not participate in the raising of this child. By this time, his battle with his addiction was overwhelming him. He was placed in a nursing home after several years of fighting a losing battle.
Due to his failing health during the last year of his life he was hospitalized numerous times. It was at this point that his old friend Don, who had become his legal guardian, decided to try to locate his daughter who was now in her thirties. Upon locating her, Don was elated when she agreed to come visit her daddy. Don was privileged to witness a very touching, moving reunion. It was a beautiful day! Jerry passed away a few days later.
Jerry’s wish, as told by his friend Don, would be: “Don’t let an addiction rob you of your life!” “Do not give up!” “Get help!” Take back your life!” Jerry’s gift of his eyes is just one example of his generosity. In honor of his memory, don’t let the precious gift of life be wasted.
Jerry Tucker, a bright shining star, extinguished before its time!
Elizabeth Tyer
No eye has seen,
No ear has heard,
No mind has conceived
What God has prepared for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9
The North Carolina Eye Bank takes great pride in our ability to share the gift of sight with thousands of people every year through corneal transplant, research and education. This gift does not come without a price. We must remember that for each grateful recipient of a transplanted cornea or medical breakthrough achieved, there is a family who is struggling with the loss of a loved one. These are the stories and remembrances of their family members — the faces of donation.
The 2006 Faces of Donation