Tracey was born Tracey Lynn on January 9, 1967, in Jackson, MS. She was the first-born child to Shirley Horton and her late father Larry Horton. Growing up, Tracey was a light to everyone. She became a big sister at age 10 to her brother Wesley (“Wes the Mess”) and once again at age 17 to her sister Carrie (“the surprise”). Though her brother describes her as a “pizza thief,” Tracey was very nurturing to her younger siblings; she continued to serve as their role model and biggest support in every way she could, ever-present and always encouraging.
Tracey was also a very talented athlete. She grew up playing soccer and was an all-star catcher for fast-pitch softball. Tracey’s mother would describe her as a little pack of dynamite. She was petite but could score a goal from mid-field and run with the best of them. She could cover home plate like no one’s business and somehow morph into a brick wall no opposing players could get through. And they dare not try to steal second. Her biggest sporting achievement was going to the World Series. Tracey and her mom would often load up in her dad’s El Camino and drive to tournaments. Those are some of her mother’s fondest memories.
Tracey graduated high school from Forest Hill in 1984, and later received her business degree from Mississippi College. Tracey was a dedicated employee to her Kroger family for over 30 years and served in numerous capacities, from cashier to store manager then on to assistant to the District Manager and later as Customer First Representative. She always brought her smile to work and was deeply respected by all her peers. Kroger was where she met her husband, Mr. Head, where he currently serves as District Manager. For a while, when they both were store managers, they would alternate winning “Store Manager of the Year.” They leaned on each other and used one another’s talents to bring the best they could to the table. In 2004, she was named Kroger Company’s Mid-South “Woman of the Year.”
Tracey married the love of her life Charles “Chuck” Sills Head, Jr. on April 21, 1990. He describes her as “not only my wife but my best friend.” They were blessed with 2 beautiful children, Charles “Chase” Sills Head, III, 22, and Lauren Grace Head, 19. She would describe her greatest accomplishment to be her children, and though she was a working mother, she always managed to put her children in the forefront claiming, “I’m a momma first.” As a mother, Tracey showed patience and steered her children towards God. She seemed to have some sort of super power in that her children actually heeded her advice and openly communicated with her, though her son “Baby Chase” jokingly called her “the warden.” She was fun and loving and showed off her dance moves with her daughter “La” in many TikToks. Tracey had the greatest sense of humor and could sing with the sweetest angelic voice. Her niece and nephew loved getting videos of her singing their favorite Disney songs.
Tracey was a faithful servant and a walking testimony to the Lord and trusted Him to see her through anything. Tracey was no stranger to overcoming difficulty. She faced breast cancer at the young age of 35 just months after her second child was born and also the loss of her father. Through it all, she remained firm in her beliefs and trusted in God’s plan for her. She was recognized for her triumph by Kellogg in 2007 and again by Susan G Komen in 2018. She was notorious for her positive attitude and ability to see the best in any situation. Tracey’s favorite prayer was to ask God for strength, courage, and wisdom, and she would recommend everyone to do the same. Even through her second battle with cancer, she never wavered and gave the most courageous fight of her life.
Tracey is survived by her husband Chuck, son Chase, daughter Lauren, mother Shirley, brother Wes, sister Carrie, niece Crosby, and nephew Griffin. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who will dearly miss her.
Tracey is preceded in death by her father Larry, grandparents Bea and Doyle Green and Ophelia and Guy Horton, and her cousin Chris. She is also most recently preceded by her sweet Aunt Brenda who no doubt was the first to welcome her.
Services will be held at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Madison on Thursday, June 17th. Visitation will be from 10-12pm with funeral to follow. Graveside service will be at Parkway Memorial Cemetery off Highland Colony. One of Tracey’s requests for her celebration of life was to wear Easter colors and a smile.
Tracey and Chuck wanted to say, “thank you,” to the UMMC and MD Anderson cancer staff with special recognition to Dr. Carter Milner (UMMC) and Dr. Courtney DiNardo (MDA) for going above and beyond during this journey. Also, they give much appreciation to everyone for the cards, thoughts, prayers, food, and blood donations. Your love and support has meant the world.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the following address below. Please specify donations to leukemia research in honor of Tracey Head.
Meredith Aldridge,
University of Mississippi Medical Center,
Development Accounting,
2500 N. State St.,
Jackson, MS 39216
