Chianti Renee Tucker, lovingly known as "Chi," was born April 16, 1977, to Gloria Renee Stewart and the Late Vernon A. Stewart, Jr. Chi was a happy child. She was never shy and loved to perform. At an early age, she was involved in a variety of activities, but her favorites were POMS and DANCE. Chi moved from every aspect of dance with ease and always took center stage.
Chianti grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland, and later graduated from Seneca Valley High School, Germantown, Maryland. She continued her education receiving an Associate of Arts degree in Education from Bowie State University in 1999, her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, with a special emphasis in Special Education from Robertstown University, May 2004, and her Master of Arts Degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting in 2006, from Connecticut School of Broadcasting.
Chianti thrived as a dancer, and on August 12, 1998, she opened Miss Chianti's Dance School of Maryland. "Miss Chi" taught Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Pom-Pom for 20 years. She offered affordable (at times free) rates to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to dance. "Miss Chi" loved her dancers, and they adored her. They performed in parades and competitions, across the US, on cruise lines, and with the Rockettes, winning hundreds of competitions. Chi's famous words were "SMILE," "SHOW THOSE TEETH!" Chianti herself performed with the adult teams and danced in the Macy's Day Parade. In 2005, Chianti was crow17ed Miss Maryland, and she interned at Baltimore's own Hot 99.5.
Chianti married James Tucker. Through their union, she had Tavian and Kallen. Chi's boys were her world, and she was dedicated to the health and welfare of her children. Chi had her own struggles of Brugada Syndrome, but it never kept her from enjoying life. She also beqime a brand ambassador for Thrive and Lipsense health and beauty pro dlk ts. Chianti never allowed anyone or anything to stop her from achieving her goals.
Chianti will be most remembered for her huge smile, her red lipstick, her obsession with "The Bling," and, of course, Miss Chianti's Dance School of Maryland.
Chianti is survived by her mother: Gloria Renee Stewart; husband: James Tucker; two sons: Tavian and Kallen; one brother: Rodney Stewart; four sisters: Joyce Stewart, Kimberly Wilder, Nicole Daye Batte, Sophia Tunson; Godmother: Sylvia Tilghmann; Goddaughter: Jasmine Jones; aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of family and friends.
Chianti loved to entertain and always had a big smile on her face. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.
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