Tracey Lynn Gabriel

Tracey Lynn Gabriel, 49, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on November 19, 2024 after courageously battling metastasized melanoma. Born on December 20, 1974 in Syracuse, NY, Tracey was loved by all and shared her love with many. Tracey was love, light, and warmth to everyone who had the privilege to know her. She possessed an unwavering commitment to her faith, regardless of what life placed in her path. To her last day on this Earth, Tracey sang of her God’s goodness and emitted gratitude for each and every one of her blessings. 

On the journey to finding her calling as a nurse, Tracey graduated from Solvay High School in upstate New York and then attended two years at Houghton College studying elementary education and psychology. Tracey moved to Charlotte, NC in 1995 to be closer to her parents, Robert and Deborah Thomson, who had moved to Charlotte earlier that year. Tracey excelled at selling cars before starting to work in healthcare. By this time, Tracey had her two sons, Hezekiah and Pierson Hills. She found her purpose was caring for others and was determined to make nursing her career. Tracey went to nursing school while working full-time at the hospital and raising her boys. She was nothing short of phenomenal. 

Tracey graduated from Central Piedmont Community College with an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2011 and spent a total of 19 years working in various hospitals within the Atrium Health and Novant Health systems. Along the way, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Governors University in 2024. She loved her work helping bring babies into the world in the labor and delivery ward – she would share updates on the stats of her “catching babies” and gleam with pride about how much she loved it. Tracey loved her work so much she remarked that she can’t believe she’s paid to do something she enjoys so immensely as it doesn’t feel like work. She moved into maternal health and ultimately assistant nurse management. She also completed the education and training required to become a Sex Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and supported the community in this area for 9 months. As a manager, Tracey looked after her staff with care from her heart – pure and perpetually giving. When cancer caused her health to decline in 2024, the support flowing in from the nurses she worked with was a testament to the love she put into the world.

Besides loving what she did for a living, Tracey loved her family. She emitted pride and joy constantly about her sons. As a mother, she was nurturing yet firm and would do anything for her kids. She loved to spend time with them eating good food and enjoying local events. She also loved getting pedicures, spending time with friends, and going to the beach whenever she could. In 2015, she met the love of her life, William Gabriel, while working at Atrium Health University City. They married in January 2017 and loved the years they had together doing the things that brought them joy. They loved trying the various cuisines Charlotte restaurants have to offer, as well as Middle C Jazz lounge. Tracey sometimes had to coax William out of his routine to take a trip, but once they arrived, neither one of them could be happier than being together at the seaside.

Whether sitting in a beach chair marveling at the ocean or under her back patio watching the birds and bunnies come through the yard, Tracey loved all of God’s creations, including her dogs, Zeus and Xena. She had no shortage of affection for them, even when Xena destroyed things in the house. Tracey praised Jesus and loved spending time every morning talking to him while enjoying her coffee, reading her Bible, and using her beautiful voice to worship God in song. In 2019, she sang the National Anthem before a Charlotte Hornets game and absolutely crushed it. She also used her voice to compliment and encourage others, demonstrating an unconditional love and affection for her loved ones and colleagues. Anyone she met could feel her heart’s warmth and gratitude emanating outward. 

Tracey is survived by her husband, William; sons, Hezekiah and Pierson; parents, Robert and Deborah; sisters and their spouses, Danyel and Chris; Bobbie and Thomas; nephews, Kaleb and Logan; nieces, Talia, Teagan, and Rylan; four stepchildren, two step grandchildren, and many loving relatives and dear friends. 

Tracey passed on before many who loved her, but she was adamant that she did not lose any battle. In fact, she won more than any of us because of the way she lived in the time she was given among us. She loved unconditionally and from a pureness of heart that many never comprehend. The light from her soul shines on and her voice is now singing praises in heaven. 

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Celebration of Life Service  

11:00 a.m. – receiving hour

12:00 p.m. – service 

Central Church, Weatherby Hall

5301 Sardis Road

Charlotte, NC 28270

Reception (light food & fellowship)

1:30-4:30 p.m.

Trio Restaurant

10709 McMullen Creek Parkway

Charlotte, NC 28226

Flowers can be sent to: 

Deborah Thomson

6906 Carriageway Lane

Charlotte, NC 28227