WATCH: A Touch of Eva Camunez Tucker

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Among San Angelo's most generous philanthropists who broke through countless cultural barriers, the legacy of Eva Camunez Tucker will continue to thrive in the form of a mural painted in her honor in downtown San Angelo. 

If you find yourself driving on Chadbourne Street in front of Myers Drug and Boutique you can find the new mural of Eva Camunez Tucker in the parking lot across the street. Graffiti art was used by local artists Che Bates and Inx to depict the late Eva Camunez Tucker in black and white along with vibrant and colorful flowers beneath her. 

"It feels good to paint her because she was part of the city," said Bates. "People are going to learn about her and what she did."

Camunez Tucker is considered to be one of the most influential trailblazers for Hispanics and minorities in west Texas. As the first Hispanic graduate of San Angelo Central High School in 1930 she furthered her education at nearby San Angelo College earning a teaching certification. Prior to becoming the first Hispanic principal in Ballinger until 1942 Camunez Tucker taught Hispanic children in nearby Mertzon earning $60 per month. 

During World War II, Camunez Tucker served as a mail censor in the Texas border towns of Brownsville and Laredo and afterwards as a translator for the State Department in Washington DC. In December of 1948, she married Mr. Art Tucker. 

The Tuckers lived in Ballinger for 14 years before purchasing an oil refinery in Lueders, Texas a town just north of Abilene. 

Her commitment to education and giving to those in need would always play a role in her life especially following the passing of her husband in 1975. 

Ms. Tucker gave to many organizations over the years but her contributions were felt by a number of local organizations that play a major role in helping our community: West Texas Rehabilitation Center, San Angelo Symphony, San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, The Boys and Girls Clubs of San Angelo, Concho Valley Home for Girls, Hospice of San Angelo, Angelo State University, the West Texas Collection, Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, and Meals for the Elderly, just to name a few.

Watch as Julie Raymond and Dr. Gigi Perez-Langley of Art In Common Places along with Ms. Tucker's long-time caregiver Terry Mikeska, and artist Che Bates talk about the mural, it's significance to the city and what Ms. Tucker meant to San Angelo and the Concho Valley.