Tracey Lynn Ellis, 59, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022, at White Oak Manor in Shelby, North Carolina.

Born in Washington, DC, on March 1, 1963. She was the daughter of the late Athol Haney Ellis, Jr. (Chick), and Sada Woltz Ellis. Tracey is survived by her sister, Pamela Ann Hillis; Pam's husband, Brian Hillis; Brian's family; and many cousins and friends.

Tracey lived at Holy Angels Nursery in Belmont for 22 years, and Gaston Residential Services (GRS) group homes for 37 years until shortly before her death. Holy Angels was a place of loving, living and learning for Tracey. GRS supported her to live her life as a respected member of her community.

Tracey was active in her community. Loved making and visiting friends and family, traveling to fun places, bowling, dancing, watching adventurous shows, and playing UNO. She had a great sense of humor, and enjoyed taking pictures of her friends.

Tracey was born with developmental disabilities that never held her back. Earned her high school diploma from the former Mary Ellen Nelson Center, now the Webb Street School, in 1984. Participated in classes at Holy Angels and Gaston County College. Worked for many years at Holy Angels; Sara Lee, Bali Division; GRS Offices; and Papa John's Restaurant. Attended the Life Enrichment Center in Kings Mountain from 2018-2022.

She attended church with the Sisters of Mercy while at Holy Angels Nursery. Attended East Baptist Church in Gastonia for many years before moving to a GRS facility in Cherryville. Attended the Cherryville Victory Life Assembly of God until her health declined.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 PM Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home. Words of encouragement will be offered by Rev. Richard Stroup. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association by selecting the following link https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=756031.