Tracy Windham Frennea

Tracy Windham Frennea, 60, passed away on Wednesday, January 15th quietly in her home in Winston-Salem. Tracy was born February 4th, 1964 in Logan, Utah to her beloved mother Janice Kirby Smith and late father Jesse Lester Windham.

Proud of her roots in Ozark, Arkansas, she carried a strong legacy of family throughout her life - cherishing ties to her extended relatives and their storied history.

Tracy excelled at everything she did in life. She left her mark on friends at Davidson High School in Mobile, Alabama where she graduated top of her class as valedictorian in 1982 before moving to Birmingham to pursue a degree in accounting at University of Alabama, graduating with honors in 1985. A driven, well-educated woman with savvy business skills, she ambitiously began her career at Ernst & Young, one of the top firms in the country. She was certified as a public accountant by the state of North Carolina and she spent twenty-five years at Turnpike Properties where she proudly retired as the Chief Financial Officer. After retirement she continued in her professional career working with the Architectural Firm Ersoy, Brake & Appleyard.

A caring and hardworking mother, above all else, she was devoted to her children who will miss her more than words. She was married to Dennis Frennea for 14 years. Though this relationship wasn't permanent, they raised two sons together in Winston-Salem and Tracy remained very special to the entire Frennea family. In late 1998 she met her soulmate W. Eugene Metcalf who she shared countless, very happy memories with and built a beautiful life together with their beloved dog, Gracie, until the day she passed. Their deep connection lives on endlessly.

Tracy loved to travel and walk along sandy beaches with her loved ones. She left pieces of her heart in so many special coastal places from Jamaica to the Outer Banks, Gulf Shores to Costa Rica, Sanibell to Carolina Beach.

She is survived by her two adoring sons Cody Lee Frennea and Kirby Dean Frennea, young granddaughter River Ray Frennea and older brother Steven Windham along with her devoted partner Gene, treasured mother, the “hens and chicks,” extended family, and loving daughter in law.

Tracy was genuine, kind and felt things deeply. She was always present, lived life in the moment, never missed a soccer match and recorded every detail. Throughout her life, she had a special connection to all kinds of music, and will be remembered fondly for her encyclopedic knowledge of lyrics and infectious dance moves. She shared a weekly Wednesday breakfast with a very close group of friends who will miss her dearly. All those who knew her would agree that her joyful nature, coupled with her detail oriented mind was a uniquely beautiful force to be remembered. Affectionately known to many as “Esther Lawicki,” “Mama T,” and “Mumu;” she meant so much to those near and far and will be missed dearly by her family and lifelong friends.

A memorial service will be held on her birthday, Tuesday February 4th, 2025 at Vogler Funeral and Cremations @ Forsyth Memorial Park in Winston-Salem. A formal ceremony will begin at 3pm with a visitation to follow.

A floating reception and celebration of her life will be later held on Sunday April 13th, 2025 in Winston-Salem. Details to follow.

The family invites you to join in honoring the life of this incredible woman in whatever way you can.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Second Harvest Foodbank.