Tracy Pieper Brown was a world-class wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She brought a positive outlook, determined attitude and unwavering faith to everything she tackled, including a five-year battle with ovarian cancer. While that battle is now over, her faith and courage served as an inspiration to everyone who met her.
Tracy died Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, surrounded by her family. She is now with the Lord. She was 50.
Tracy’s life was full and fulfilling, albeit much too short. She was a talented banker and financial planner, a devoted community volunteer and fundraiser and a loyal friend who loved to share a laugh and lend a helping hand. One friend recently described her as “an inextinguishable flame of love, hope and warmth that was not tucked away for just a few to see.” Indeed.
The greatest joy in Tracy’s life has always been her daughter, Emma, a kind and gentle soul who shared her mother’s faith, grace and bright, energetic spirit.
Tracy was born in Columbia, South Carolina but spent most of her childhood in Creve Coeur, Missouri. She attended the University of Kansas and remained a loyal Jayhawk long after moving to North Carolina in her 20s.
She joined Wachovia Bank in 1992. While attending a bank training program, she picked up much more than new skills. She met Michael, a fellow banker who would become her husband. They were married at St. James Episcopal Church in 1994.
Tracy went on to have a long and successful career in banking and finance, working with Centura Bank and Fountain Financial Associates in Wilmington.
She was a longtime member of the Junior League of Wilmington where she served on the executive committee and received the Esther Elliott Sparkman Award for inspiration. She was a member of numerous community boards, including the Wilmington Azalea Festival committee and New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation board. She belonged to Country Club of Landfall and the Surf Club.
In 2014, Tracy helped establish She ROCKS to fund ovarian cancer research and provide support to fellow cancer patients. The organization recently donated $50,000 to UNC Lineberger Cancer Research.
Tracy is survived by her husband, Michael; her daughter, Emma Grace; her mother, Jean Pieper, of St. Charles, Missouri; her sisters, Kristi (Larkin) O’Keefe, of Prairie Village, Kansas and Melanie (Mark) Zuanich, of Chesterfield, Missouri; eight nieces and nephews; and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her father, David B. Pieper.
The family is grateful to the physicians and nurses/angels at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, including Dr. Walter Gajewski and Dr. Rob Shaker as well as Dr. Peter Kramer, for providing outstanding care and support.
Tracy was a lifelong Christian and an active member of Wrightsville United Methodist Church. A celebration of Tracy’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, at Port City Community Church, 250 Vision Drive, Wilmington. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to She ROCKS, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, NC 28402 or Wrightsville United Methodist Church, 4 Live Oak Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480).
You can share memories and condolences with the family at www.wilmingtonburialandcremation.com.
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