A shocking goodbye... Tracy Norris, there is no other like you

 

Tracy is one of my favorite memories of my life in Charleston, my marriage to Rally, and my days learning how to be a woman.

I learned how to pray, how to sing and how to be a woman of God. I learned how to be strong in my faith, and loving with my words. I learned how to act. I learned how to be a mom. They gave me a job and I learned all about helping people after disasters... I've always been told I always have a job at Disaster Plus.  I'm sure that's true. That's just who they are.

I learned about Jesus.  She is probably the greatest factor in my early stages of my faith walk.

Julia Ann, Keating, Tracy and Fred were always in my life.  Miles and miles away but there. Always.

Until I opened Facebook to a photo Julia posted and I said "to of my faves"... only to scroll a few moments later and see that Tracy passed away.

WHAT?  NO!? My brain was telling my heart this was true but my heart said NO. My mouth quickly followed, then tears. I texted a mutual friend and she told me Tracy, indeed had passed away after a short illness.

Two days later, I was brave enough to text Fred.  He was so broken, yet so strong.  So sad, yet rejoicing because he knew where she was.  She is at the feet of Jesus literally living her best life.   For that I am SO VERY THANKFUL but I am broken for her family here, her two grandbabies... her kids, her church, her friends, her family... Fred.  My gosh, Fred. 

First and only time Tristan met Tracy...

My heart was SO full.

Because no matter the time in between talks... they were family.

I regret the trips I didn't take, the calls I didn't make, the cards I didn't send.  But she knew.

I regret throwing away all of my photo albums... because there were so many pics and memories in there. I pray my heart has stored them all.

I can only pray that someday, I impact someone the way that she has me.  My heart has grown cynical over the years. I'm grumpier - maybe because I'm lonely.  I swear like a sailor at work sometimes... none of those things would make her proud and none of those things are qualities she saw in me. I pray I change.

This will never sink in.  I love you Tracy Norris. Rest well and until I see you again, watch over me and remind me Who's I am.

I am eternally grateful for how you invested in me. I love you.

https://www.avingerfh.com/obituaries/tracy-norris?fbclid=IwY2xjawHnuSNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVGxlPR5ym-Kymq8kb05-6mZVG0V3v6SHwgjLSN-5LxYqZI27R2xPz739Q_aem_0R91R1wYuaaGMl9J9uJexg

Tracy Compton Norris

On November 27, 2024, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister in Christ, Tracy Ann Norris, departed this world to join her Heavenly Father. She spent her last moments on earth surrounded by her loving family.  

Tracy leaves behind her devoted husband of 40 years, Frederick “Fred” Keating Norris III, son Frederick “Keating” Norris IV, daughter Julia Ann Norris, granddaughters Steely Rose and Tracyann Royall, sisters Amber Compton Keys (Barry), Chrystal Compton Hawkins (Michael), Tara Letha Compton, brother William Brown “Billy” Compton (Cava). She was a very popular aunt among her nieces and nephews Baxter Keys, Hayley Keys, Ashton Hawkins, Gillan Hawkins, Ulysses “Ulee” Compton, Justin Mitchell, Leslie Mitchell, Dr. Jonathan Mitchell, Andrew McNeill, Daniel McNeill, Alexander Velasquez, and Ramsey Norris. Tracy also leaves behind a large circle of extended family and dear friends. Tracy is pre-deceased by her mother Mildred Elaine “Cubbie” Compton and father William Brown “Sleepy” Compton. 

Born on July 13,1960 in Charleston, SC, Tracy was a long-time resident of Sullivan’s Island, SC. She graduated from Charleston Heights Academy, a Baptist church school in North Charleston in 1977 where she garnered the honor of homecoming queen. Following an early graduation, Tracy attended PTL, a ministry in Charlotte, NC and one of the first Christian satellite television networks. With her vocal giftings and strong work ethic, she enjoyed opportunities to work and sing with multiple choral groups during her two years at the PTL school. It was there where Tracy experienced an encounter with the Lord, setting her heart ablaze to serve Him with her life passions. This fire and compassion for others continued until she breathed her last breath.

Tracy returned to Charleston and began work with Friedman Jewelers in Northwoods Mall and simultaneously attended The Baptist College (Charleston Southern University), graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. While at BCC, Tracy attended YOUTHQUAKE, the thriving youth ministry of Northwoods Assembly in North Charleston. It was here she met the love of her life, Fred Norris. Fred was part of the Youthquake band, and Tracy joined with him, offering keyboard and vocal skills to a band that was pioneering locally growing Christian rock’n’roll worship and praise. 

In August of 1984, Tracy and Fred married and immediately went to work together, cleaning newly constructed condos early in the mornings. Tracy left in the afternoon to continue her sales employment with Friedman’s, and by evening, they were often found practicing music together or leading young people within the Youthquake Ministry. 

Tracy and Fred were nearly inseparable and ultimately decided to go into business together, purchasing a carpet cleaning and dyeing franchise in 1986. They built their company and rebranded, forming Disaster Plus, a successful disaster mitigation company in Mount Pleasant, SC, now in its 38th year of business. Tracy’s gifts of empathy and kindness comforted clients and inspired those who knew her. It was not unusual to see her office door close while she encouraged and prayed for clients struggling to cope with their “disaster” or even in other challenges of life. She earned respect and trust for her confidentiality and caring spirit. Faith kept her at peace in an industry often filled with anxious clients and emergency situations. She shared that peace with all who needed it. 

In a promising ministry opportunity while at Northwoods Assembly, Fred and Tracy helped to found a new church - Seacoast in Mount Pleasant. From leading worship to directing seasonal productions, Tracy’s creativity and vocal skills matured and blossomed over the years of service. She truly lived every day with a desire to love the Lord and to be someone through whom the Lord could love. 

In 1990, the Norris’s started their family as Tracy successfully managed the responsibilities of mother, business owner, and multiple church leadership positions, including worship keyboardist/vocalist and productions. Ministry remained at the forefront of their passion together as they raised their family and continued to support, serve and inspire multiple ministries in the Charleston area. Tracy dedicated her life with diligence to God and her family as a nurturing and loving mother, daughter, sister, spouse, and “Nana.” 

Friends will remember Tracy well as a gracious and energetic host, whole-heartedly opening her home, filling it with family, friends, friends of friends, and always with music, laughter and plenty of food. As an excellent cook, she made sure everyone left her table with full stomachs and full hearts. The deep abiding trust in God was shared openly and generously in her home at every opportunity. 

Tracy’s life was a living example of service to others and a celebration of God and though her family will miss her dearly on this earth, they will take comfort each day knowing that she is at home with her Lord. “For we walk by faith not by sight. Yet, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:7-8, ESV) 

A graveside service will be held Sunday, December 8. 2024 at 2:00PM at Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery, 1910 Camden Rd., Holly Hill.

A Celebration of Tracy’s life is scheduled for Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2:00pm at SEACOAST CHURCH, 750 Long Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC.

Memorials/Donations may be made online at stirredupcharleston.com OR mailed to: Stirred Up Charleston, 1342 Chuck Dawley Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.

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