"We lovingly called her 'Doodle Bug', and that nickname still brings a smile to my face," says Amy Tucker about her daughter Aubrey Tucker. "Aubrey was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. She had a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh, and a heart that naturally cared for others. She was kind, compassionate, and always willing to help someone in need. She loved her family deeply, especially her younger sister, Abigail, and she had a way of bringing people together."
On September 22, 2020 Elizabeth Aubrey Tucker passed away in a car accident. Her sister, Abigail, was riding in the passenger seat of the car, Aubrey was driving.
"We lost our daughter, but our entire family was affected. Aubrey’s sister was also in the vehicle and survived with serious injuries and emotional trauma. Grandparents lost a granddaughter. Friends lost a friend. Future dreams, milestones, weddings, careers, and memories were stolen. The ripple effects continue for years and generations."
Aubrey was 22 years old when her life was tragically taken, but the impact she made in those 22 years continues to be felt every day. She had a zest for life. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, loved to travel, and embraced every opportunity to make memories. She was thoughtful, encouraging, and had a way of brightening even the hardest days. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and through the work the Tucker family does in her honor.
"One of the things I miss most is hearing Doodle Bug laugh and watching her interact with family and friends. She had a way of making ordinary moments special. Whether we were traveling, celebrating holidays, or simply spending time together at home, she brought so much joy to those around her," says Amy.
The Tucker family keeps her spirit alive by sharing her story, speaking her name, and through the work of the nonprofit they began, Aubrey’s Love Foundation. "Every scholarship we award, every school we support, and every act of kindness done in her memory is a reminder that her light is still shining through others. While we miss her every day, we are committed to ensuring that her legacy of kindness and compassion continues to make a difference," states Amy.
The most difficult part of navigating this grief journey? "Learning to live in a world without your child. There is no roadmap for losing a son or daughter. Grief changes every part of your life." Amy continues, "Milestones, birthdays, holidays, and ordinary days can all bring waves of sadness."
Over time, the family has learned that grief and love exist together. "As a mother, you never stop wanting to protect your child, and when they are gone, that love has nowhere to go. The pain never completely disappears, but you learn how to carry it while continuing to move forward." Amy continues, "Missing Doodle Bug never gets easier; you simply learn how to keep living while carrying that loss."
"The support from our community has been incredible. Friends, neighbors, schools, local businesses, churches, and even complete strangers have surrounded us with love and encouragement. They have prayed for us, supported our foundation, volunteered alongside us, and helped us continue Aubrey’s legacy," affirms Amy.
During our darkest moments, their community reminded the Tuckers that they are not walking this journey alone. "Their kindness gave us strength when we felt like we had none left. We are deeply grateful for every person who has supported our family and embraced the mission of Aubrey’s Love Foundation," Amy reflects.
When asked her thoughts on the justice system’s handling of impaired driving cases, Amy says, "While I am grateful for the individuals within the justice system who worked hard on our case, I believe there is still work to be done. Impaired driving is not an accident—it is often a fatal choice." She continues, "Families who lose loved ones carry a life sentence of grief, while offenders may eventually return to their normal lives. I hope to see continued efforts toward stronger accountability, prevention, alcohol awareness and education, and support for victims’ families. My goal is awareness, responsibility, and prevention. If stronger laws, education, and accountability can save even one family from experiencing this heartbreak, then positive change can come from tragedy."
"No destination, celebration, or inconvenience is worth a life. Call a friend, use a rideshare service, stay where you are, or make another plan. The choice may seem small in the moment, but it can have lifelong consequences," Amy reminds us.
While nothing could take away the pain of losing her, the Tuckers wanted to create something positive from their tragedy. Aubrey’s Love Foundation was established to honor her memory by spreading kindness, supporting students and educators, and helping meet needs within the community. The foundation allows the Tucker family to continue sharing the love, compassion, and generosity that Aubrey showed throughout her life. It gives a way to ensure that 'Doodle Bug’s' light continues to shine and touch the lives of others.
What began as a way to honor Aubrey has become a mission to encourage kindness, support education, and remind people that even in the midst of unimaginable loss, good can still grow.
Since its creation, the Tuckers have supported students by awarding scholarships, providing school supplies, recognizing outstanding teachers and students, supporting community initiatives, and partnering with schools and organizations throughout our area.
While some of the impact can be measured through dollars given or programs supported, the greatest impact comes from the relationships the family has built. "We have watched students pursue their dreams, educators feel appreciated for their work, and families receive support during difficult times," Amy has with a warm smile. "Every life touched through the foundation is a reflection of Aubrey’s legacy and the values she embodied."
Aubrey’s Love Foundation was honored to celebrate 2026 scholarship recipients and Light of Love Award recipients for the school year.
The 2026 scholarship recipients included Mersadies “Sadie” Harris and Addisen Gibbs (West Limestone High School), Elisabeth Harris and Gabby Keenum (Athens High School), Ava Guth (Elkmont High School), and Hailey King (Tanner High School).
Aubrey's Love Foundation also proudly recognized Lillie Patterson and Casie Wimmer as West Limestone High School’s final Light of Love Award recipients for the year.
A special recognition award was presented to Principal Matt Taylor for his continued leadership, encouragement, support, and partnership with Aubrey’s Love Foundation.
Amy asserts, "I hope people remember that one life can make a difference. If years from now people continue helping others, encouraging those who are struggling, supporting education, and spreading kindness because of something that started in Aubrey’s memory, then we will have accomplished exactly what we set out to do." She continues, "Doodle Bug’s story will always be one of love, and I hope that love continues to inspire others for generations to come."
For more information on Aubrey's Love Foundation:
Website: aubreyslove.com
Phone: 256.998.8954
Email: tuckerfamily@aubreyslove.com
Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and through the work we do in her honor.
People often focus on the crash itself, but families live with the consequences every day for the rest of their lives. There is no finish line for grief.