Tracey Ann Bowen

Tracey Ann Bowen was born on July 2, 1970, in Tupelo, Mississippi to Eugene Bowen Sr. and Erie Neely Bowen. Tracey was a bundle of joy to the family. At a very young age Tracey was very precocious and loved nature and animals; especially when she was around her grandfather in the garden. Tracey particularly enjoyed spending time with her best friend Christopher.

Tracey's educational journey began at East Side Elementary in West Point, Mississippi. She completed elementary, middle and two years of high school in Oxford, Mississippi. The family moved to Miami, Florida where she attended Miami Killian Senior High School and graduated with honors.

Throughout her school years she participated in many educational and community activities. To name a few, the school chorus, math and science camps, played volleyball, was a Girl Scout summer camp counselor and earned a Red Cross badge in lifeguard certification.

After graduation, Tracey attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts. During her years at Wellesley, she was a member of the Wellesley Widows A Cappella singing group, Ethos Black Student Union, the Shakespeare society, and the Xi Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. While at Wellesley College Tracey attended Spellman College in Atlanta, Georgia as an exchange student for a year. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology. After graduating, Tracey moved to Atlanta and started working as a preschool teacher. While in Atlanta she married Bronson Woodroffe.

Years later the couple moved to Miami to be with family. They expanded the family when Neely was born. Tracey accepted a position at Miami-Dade College. For over twenty years she served as an academic advisor where she touched the lives of many students. Tracey and Neely enjoyed volunteering for the Book Fair every year. It was their mother/daughter thing. During that time Tracey received a master's degree in religion at Trinity International University. After ten years, Bronson and Tracey divorced. Years later she married Ronald Bell.

In 2020, Tracey began to struggle with mental and physical health issues which resulted in amputation. She received immeasurable support from the Amputee Coalition which served to empower individuals with limb loss and limb difference. Tracey traveled around the United States volunteering and speaking at conferences as she learned to navigate her new life. Tracey was also active in many community and political initiatives nationwide.

On October 3, 2025, Tracey Ann Bowen quietly passed away in the late evening at Miami Jackson South Hospital with her mother by her bedside.

Tracey was proceeded in death by her fathers, Eugene Bowen Sr. and James Wilson Sr. She is survived by her Mother Erie Neely Wilson, her daughter Neely Jamese Woodroffe, brother Eugene Bowen Jr., many aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren, friends, and Sorority Sisters.

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