Tracy Michelle Hicks Wilburn, 46, transformed to the life eternal on Monday, December 17, 2018 at her home in Belden after a long, courageous and spirited battle with cancer. Born July 17, 1972 in Clarksville, Tennessee to Larry Hicks and Rebecca Phillips Michael, she moved to the Tupelo area as a two year old. Tracy had a jovial personality from the beginning. She lived every day of her life with joy and adventure. Tracy was a l990 graduate of Mooreville High School where she was a cheerleader and outstanding basketball player. Her love of sports was keen the whole of her life as she supported her husband, Coach Perry Wilburn, in his softball victories at Mooreville over the years. An avid Ole Miss Rebel fan, she loved watching football and all sports. She has spent most of her working life with Precision Machine as an Office Manager. Tracy’s hallmark was her contagious smile, her ability to make everyone laugh, her love of family gatherings and parties, cooking, baking and collecting crosses. Tracy was a stalwart patron of the Florida and Alabama beaches. She was a beloved and endeared daughter, wife, mother, sister and aunt. She especially doted over her nieces and nephews who knew her as TT. Tracy and Perry were active attendees at The Orchard in Tupelo where she had many friends and found her spiritual place.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 5 PM Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at The Orchard on Coley Road in Tupelo with Pastor Will Rambo and Bro. Kerry Nelson officiating. Private burial will be in Chesterville Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 2 PM-service time on Wednesday only at The Orchard.
Tracy leaves behind her husband, Coach Perry Wilburn, to whom she married in Eggville on Dec. 9, l995; her daughter, Payton Wilburn; Tracy was blessed with two sets of beloved parents. She leaves her mother, Becky Michael and husband, Larry and her father, Larry Hicks and wife, Marilyn. Two sisters, Kim Root (Chris) and Jesse Robertson (Josh). Her step brothers, Bobby Michael (Amy) and Jeff Michael (Amanda) and a step sister, April Dempsey (Paul) and her mother in law, Helen Powell (Royce). Several nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends everywhere. Preceding her in death are her grandparents, Hubert and Vicki Hicks and Pearl and Malcolm Phillips.
Pallbearers are Chase Michael, Bo Michael, Jerry Pettigrew, Terry Ellis, Tommy McKeon, Will Keith and Jacob Beasley.
The family suggests memorials be made to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Patient Care Fund, P. O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210.
