Tracy Norwood Obituary

My baby sister Tracy,

March 7th has come and gone and its been a year since you left us. My heart still aches when I think of you. Donald is working on getting the house rebuilt. It looks great. But I'm sure its not as great as your mansion in the sky!

Brandi and Thomas told me what you said to them at their wedding. You must have spoken it into existence. They have a beautiful little girl, born on March 31st. And to honor your memory, they have named her Traci Edara McClain. Her middle name is a combination of her two grandmothers (Edwina and Clara). I know you would be tickled pink if you were here. The funny thing about it is I compared your baby picture with hers and she favors you!

The date of your birth is fast approaching. Just one more day to remember you and all the things you enjoyed while you were here. You are sorely missed. 3 Sistahs' Cookin is continuing on. We just completed the Beaux Affair again this year. This was also something that you spoke into existence. Melissa, Dianne, Michael, and Elvis came up to help. It went a lot smoother than last year. I guess each year it gets better. You're probably up there being persistant with making sure all goes right. Thanks for the help.

There were many other people you knew that have crossed over to the other side. I'm sure you were there to welcome them in. I know you will be there waiting for me when its my turn. Until then, I will cherish your memory.

Love,
Your Big Sister

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Tracy thanks for giving me 20 years of wonderful memories. Every moment I spent with you brings me joy(even the whoopings,lol). It was a privelege to have such a heart-warming aunt like you. You are missed dearly daily. I love you and I can't wait to re-unite with you, grandma and grandpa.


-Your Nephew

TRACE, there is some comfort in knowing your suffering is over,and now every day is like Sunday.We all will cherish the brief time God allowed us to have you with us.

Tracy,

Its been a few days since your birthday past (5/3/09). You would have been 42 years "young". I thought about you that day and our time together while you were living in Charleston. I have many good memories. I remember the birthday party we threw for you at Dianne's house. It was an "original" New Orleans' party!! You were so happy and excited that people came to help you celebrate the day. Even Ronald came in for the occasion! Thank God for pictures. I'll always have memories of your beautiful face.

I spoke with Donald on your special day and we reminisced. He told me he'd put flowers on your grave. I remember how you would be so excited when he'd surprise you with flowers. You couldn't wait to get on the phone to let Dianne and I know about it. He says he misses you very much. In time, he will be able to think about you and smile about all the "for better or worse till death do us part" times.

I also thought of you on Mother's Day. I was sad that you and Dianne were no longer here. We had so much fun with our husbands giving us the "royal treatment". The fabulous feasts they cooked for us! And let's not forget the gifts!!! Once again, another "party". This year was very quiet for us. Of course, I still got the gifts, but it was a quiet dinner with Ben. I don't think Dianne and Melissa did much celebrating either. You were the one who was always ready to pull us together. I miss that.

I know you are happy now. Especially since you are with Dad and Mom. But I know you were ecstatic to finally see face to face our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I remember how much you loved the song by Deborah Barnes "Jesus and Me". When I hear or think of that song, I have a feeling of sadness and joy. It truly reminds me of you.

I love you and will see you on the other side.

Love,
Your Sister

Thanks to everyone who took the time to write a message in the guest book. We appreciate all of your words of comfort. Some of you we haven't heard from in years! It made our hearts glad to know that you are thinking of us. Thanks also for those of you who called, sent gifts, flowers, cooked, visited the family, and showed up at her celebration. I'm sure she was very pleased with how everything turned out.

A special thank you to our Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church family for sending the pastor Rev. Dr. A.D. Robinson, Jr.and family deacon, Claude Jones, all the way from Charleston, SC to conduct the services and give words of comfort. Thank you to Rev. George Jones, her former pastor and Rev. Franklin Burke, Sr. who took her under watchcare, the members and all who helped with the services.

Tracy and Donald moved to Charleston in October 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. Her cancer was in remission and she had a very good spirit about "starting a new life". After our dad had his stroke, her concentration was on helping to take care of him. She was an excellent caregiver and "took charge" in making sure his every need was taken care of. When she discovered that the cancer had reappeared she hesitated in telling daddy. She finally did, and he told her that they would get well together. When he went on to glory she took it very hard. However, even though her spirit was broken, it was not destroyed.

She told Dianne and I about her dream of always wanting to open a restaurant, using the cooking skills mama and daddy had taught us. We didn't realize how serious she was until we cooked the food for my daughter Shyra's birthday party. It was a Mardi Gras theme and we had all the "famous New Orleans cuisine". People started coming to us and asking us to cook for some of their gatherings. Dianne and I had no interest in doing that. But Tracy was so enthusiastic about it that we decided to "grant her wish" and try our hand at catering. In February 2007 "3 Sistahs Cookin" was born. Melissa was in New Orleans, but agreed to help by becoming our "supplier" of authentic food/merchandise from home. Our husbands and children helped out, but Donald was just as excited as she was and wanted to see the business succeed. He helped out with all of the dishwashing, preping, serving, loading and unloading supplies, and he took most of our pictures. Some of the affairs we did were: a wedding rehearsal dinner, the Charleston Black Expo, the Cajun Festival, several of our church's "New Members' Fellowships, a Widows and Widowers' banquet, a funeral repast, a bridal shower, some teacher appreciation luncheons, a couple of Chamber of Commerce business afterhours, some vendoring opportunities at the Medical University of South Carolina, and other events. It was Tracy who pushed us to go for these things. I would never have thought we could have done it. She also kept saying we would get a big one (500-600 people).

Even though Tracy became increasingly weaker and was eventually unable to physically help us, she still encouraged us to continue on. When she could she got up and cooked and baked and called us to pick it up. In October, when we began rebuilding mama and daddy's home, Dianne started making preparations to return to New Orleans. Tracy cried as she told me that she and Donald had decided to move back also. We discussed the fact that there were more family members down there to help with her needs than up here in Charleston. She also had been turned over to Hospice, so she said "if I have to die, I'd rather go home and be buried next to mama". I had become accustomed to finally having some "biological family" here and we had so much fun doing the catering business. I was truly saddened by their decision, but I told them I would not stand in their way. I asked her if she wanted me to close the business and she said, "no, I'll tell you when". I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue but a lot of personal funds had been invested in it so I told her I would try to keep it going.

I called Tracy the last week of February 2009 and told her someone wanted 3 Sistahs Cookin to bid on a formal affair that was for 550 people(china, linen napkins, tablecloths,etc.). She told me to go for it and we sat there and made the menu for submission. I called her a few days later and told her the committee wanted us to do a "tasting" for them. Even though she was being pumped with a lot of medication, she still was able to help me with ideas on preparing for it. I called Tracy on March 2nd, six days before she died to tell her that we had gotten the event. She was so excited! She said "I told you we would get a big one! God allowed her to see her dream come to a reality. By the way, she never did tell us when to give up the business.

Even though Tracy was not with us physically, I know she was there with Melissa, Dianne, and myself spiritually. We intend to keep her dream a reality for as long as we can.

Tracy had strong faith throughout her entire ordeal. Inspite of her ailments and pain, she continued to give God the glory. She would also encourage others with her testimony of how good God was. People would call to comfort her and her uplifting spirit would end up encouraging them.

Tracy, you and daddy did get well together. You're there with mama, daddy, and most of all Jesus!! I love you and will see you on the other side.

Your Oldest Sister,

To Tracy's Siblings, Husband, and Family.. I extend my deepest condolences!.. Getting beyond your sorrow today may be difficult, but reflecting on the memories will help comfort your tomorrow. Love and Prayers to all of you..

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

My deepest condolences to the Stewart-Norwood family. Keep your hands in God's unchanging hands. Getting beyond your sorrow today maybe difficult, but reflecting on the memories will help comfort your tomorrow.

To the Stewart family:
We all grew up on Tricou and Johnson Street. We watched our children grow up together, Hurricane Katrina caused everybody to relocate to different states and cities. God will not leave or forsake the family, keep your hands in his and he will take care of you.

tracy my friend i still remember our child hood days i love you and i will miss you always your friend always Penny West Rose

THE FAMILY OF TRACY STEWART NORWOOD
WE ARE SORRY FOR YOU LOSS.YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS

FOR IAM THE LORD YOUR GOD WHO TAKES HOLD OF YOUR RIGHT HAND AND SAYS TO YOU DO NOT FEAR I WILL HELP YOU

TO DONALD,

REMEMBER THIS, LIVING WITH SWEET MEMORIES AND KEEPING TRACY ALIVE IN YOUR HEART WITH HELP YOU THROUGH THE DIFFICULT TIMES YOU ARE GOING TO BE FACED WITH. YOU ALSO HAVE THE LOVE AND SUPPORT OF YOUR FAMILY BEHIND YOU.

Tracy is safe in God Our Father's arms. She is now with Miss Gloria & Mr Sherman watching over you.
Our love and prayers are with you.

I know the heart is broken and the pain seems to be unbearable. But as time pass, the unforgettable memories of Tracy will always be remember.
May GOD continue to pour his
blessing on the Norwood/Stewart
family.

Ted's co-worker

Dianne, Elvis and the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may you find strenght and comfort in one another as you go through this trying time. May God be with you all.

Our prayers and Thoughts are with family. You have our deepest sympathy

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

I just heard about Tracy and I am so sorry about your lost of a good hearted person, Tracy was a good friend of mine. I remember those days of working at the Lower Ninth Ward Health Clinic, and she and I going different places and sharing laughs and tears. She will always be in our hearts and prayers. Good Bless to the family. Connie Lyons, Ms Pearl Henley and Family

Mike & Gloria --our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of your family as you go thru this difficult time. God Bless and Keep you! Lynn and Kevin Cheneau

Tracy was a bright light to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. May she take her rightful place with the angels until we all meet again.

May the Lord keep you strong during your time of bereavement,
From Freddie(squalou) and Tracy Bernard McFadden and family.

My deepest sympathy to the family

I extend my sincerest condolences
to all of the Family. Always remember
the good times you shared with Tracey.

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

May His promise of eternal life be a comfort to you in the loss of one so dear. My prayers are with you (family)

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.

I saw Tracy's announcement in our paper this morning. I was saddened to hear that she lost her battle but know that her faith made her victorious. It was such a pleasure getting to know her and being a part of her life here in Charleston. My prayers go to all of you. I carry you gently in my heart. Sharon Hutchinson (Hospice of Charleston)

Dear Edwina & family
You are in our prayers during your hour of sorrow. Jesus taught us that we are Blessed when we mourn and that we shall be comforted.

My deepest sympathy to the family. I had the pleasure of knowing Tracy and she was a beautiful woman. My prayers are with the family.

The Stewart Family,

I extend my sincerest condolences to all of the family. My prayers are with you.

Jennifer Christopher Colbert (Dorselyn's oldest sister--we all grew up together on Tricou and Johnson St.)

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11:25-26
It's always hard letting go. But we go on living to see that brighter day when we too, shall reunite with all of our loved ones that have gone on before, and abide with our God forever.
"Rest in peace Tracy".

I'm sure that Tracey had some good days and some hills to climb, but when she looked around and throught things over; all of her good days out weighted her bad days and she did not complain.

God Be With Each of You. Special prayers for my co-worker, Denise Hurts and Family.

Co-worker of
HANO

Your entire family have my deepest condolenses. Remember to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Hold on to your memories. Always remember the good times you shared with Tracey. God Bless You All.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.my brother (patrick) talk about tracy this moring,about how good of a person she was,i wanted to meet with you two. he talk so highly of tracy,she is the angel that will look over you and her love ones. the bates family.

The Bradford family share in the lost of your beloved, Tracy (Who "being justified by faith, we (she) have peace with GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ:") Romans 5:1. The Stewart family will always remains in our memories, prayers and hearts. (Remembering St Maurice & Johnson, the good times). All our love.

Tracy, Just the memories from way back when we use to go buy candy from Reynes Grocery makes me smile you could bring that out of a person.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.