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Tracey Roberson Obituary
Durham
Tracey Morrell Roberson, 44 years old, was called home to God, September 14, 2016. She met the heavenly father surrounded by family and friends at her home in Hillsborough. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends carried her through 8 years of battling breast cancer. She is survived by her husband, James Edward Roberson and son, Anson Morrell Roberson.
Tracey was born on October 4, 1971 in Willingboro, NJ, to Peggy and David Morrell. She was the only girl of 4 children with brothers Todd, Michael and Matthew by her side. In 1976, the Morrell's moved to Durham, NC where she attended Saint Mary's Catholic School. She graduated as class president of Northern High School in 1991 and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for an undergraduate degree. Upon earning her BS in Psychology in 1995, she enrolled in Western Carolina's Physical Therapy Program. After completing her degree in 1999, she gained and sustained employment as a physical therapist and returned to earn a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Tracey was an inviting soul with a beautiful presence. She was a gentle spirit with an immense love of life and family. Active in many sports as a child and an accomplished adult, Tracey lived a life of adventure seizing opportunity at every turn. She enjoyed her work as a physical therapist in geriatric care. Tracey was blessed with meeting and marrying Ed Roberson in 2008. Together, Tracey, Ed and Anson comprised a beautiful family residing in Hillsborough, NC.
A woman of faith and a heart of gold, Tracey never waivered in her fight of cancer or love for God. A fierce warrior to the end, Tracey's steadfast love of life inspired others. Her infectious spirit and gift of laughter was the embodiment of Tracey. This combined with her kindness and ability to find the beauty in all facets of life will forever be her greatest gift to us all. We are grateful and changed forever having known and loved her.
Her surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include her husband, James Edward Roberson; son, Anson Morrell Roberson; mother and father, Peggy and David Morrell; brothers and partners, Todd and Betsy Morrell, Michael and Kerry Morrell, Matthew and Blyth Morrell; mother and father-in-law, William F. and Constance S. Roberson, and sister-in-law, Kristen Roberson. Other family members include, fortunately, too many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and God-children to list or even count.
A memorial service will be presided by North Carolina Bishop Steve Breedlove at Trinity United Methodist Church in Durham on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 2pm. The family will receive visitors immediately following the reception.
Tracey requests donations in lieu of flowers to the following places: Lineberger Comprehensive Care Cancer Center at UNC Cancer Hospital, CB #7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295; Susan G. Komen Foundation, 2314 S. Miami Blvd., Ste 154, Durham, NC 27703; or All Saints Anglican Church, 3622 Lyckan Pkwy, Ste. 5005, Durham, NC 27707.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral Service, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be made at www.clementsfuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tracey Roberson
Sponsored by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services - Hillsborough.
Penny Jernigan
September 8, 2024
Remembering you always makes me smile. ❤
Penny Jernigan
September 8, 2022
Love and miss Tracey so much. <3
Todd Morrell
September 21, 2016
Trace, I love you with all my heart
Kay Day
September 21, 2016
Dear Ed, Fred, and Connie. I just saw this and I am so sincerely sorry for your loss. Our young people should not have to shoulder losses such as this; a wife and mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Katie Preston
September 19, 2016
I knew Tracey from work. Tracey was so beautiful, so kind, and so supportive. She had a great honest energy. Tracey always listened intently with incredible support and a humble humor. Her smile lit up the whole room. Tracy had a powerful ability to communicate without words. She was a gift to every one she met. I'm so terribly sorry for her family and all her many friends. I will pray you keep her strength in you as you learn to navigate this world without her. Much love,
Robert Morrell
September 19, 2016
To our niece Tracey who will be missed by all, God bless you.
Ruth Ann & June Griggs
September 18, 2016
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Morrell and Roberson families in your loss. May the memories you have be a source of comfort and peace in the days to come. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. With love,
Wendy Lock Chandler
September 17, 2016
My thoughts & prayers go out to Tracey's family. She was such a beautiful person inside & out. I have fond memories of our cheerleading days at Carrington and friendship through our school years together. A beautiful life cut short way too soon. I will continue to race for a cure in honor of you, Tracey. Now you are healed & at peace with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
Dick&Joan Hutchins
September 17, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Robert + Judy May Berry
September 17, 2016
Robert and I are so sorry to hear of Tracey's death. Though we didn't know her, her life story is filled with grace and love. Know we hold you in our hearts and prayers.
Ginny Meihaus
September 17, 2016
Tracey was everything good and a gift to all who were blessed to know her. She was dedicated to fighting her disease with unwavering strength and devotion to support all causes focused on defeating breast cancer.
We will continue her fight for others in her memory.
Tracie Parker-Holland
September 17, 2016
Lifting all of you up in prayers at this difficult time. She was such a sweet person. I know Heaven is shining a little brighter.
Judith May Berry
September 17, 2016
Though I didn't know Tracey, her life story makes me wish I had had the privilege of experiencing her grace and caring. We are so sorry for your loss and are holding you all in our hearts and prayers.
Luz Molinari
September 17, 2016
Keeping your family in prayers for peace and comfort during such a sad time.
Luz Molinari & Joseph Kelly
September 16, 2016
I am so very sad today to learn about Tracey. When I think about her I go back when we were
so young and all living in the same neighborhood. She was a beautiful person inside and out and I will always remember her in a special way. GOD BE WITH MR. AND MRS. MORRELL AND ALSO MY SPECIAL FRIENDS...HER BROTHERS!
TOBY KNIGHT.............MORRISVILLE, N.C.
September 16, 2016
Peggy and David ....MG and I are so very sorry to hear of Tracey passing. I am praying that God will give you strength and confort during these sad days aheard. We also ask that God will bless her brothers . We will always remember her as a polite, sweet and beautiful little girl .
Betty & M.G. BOBBITT
Tim Strauman
September 16, 2016
Peggy, David, and Family,
My prayers will be with you. Tracey was everything that's good about the two of you and your wonderful family. She will never be forgotten and her spirit will keep us all looking ahead and holding fast to our faith.
Tim
Emma Smart
September 16, 2016
May God's strength be magnified in your lives. Tracey was such a tower of strength to all of us. How fortunate she and Anson were to be a part of the Morrell/Roberson family. God bless you all. Fondly, Emma and Bob
Erich Meier
September 16, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Morrell and Roberson families. So many people are blessed to have known her over the years. Let her eternal comfort give you strength for the days to come. God Bless!
Dolly & Jack Hunnell
September 16, 2016
We will always remember Tracey at the swim meets at Willowhaven and how much fun our children had growing up together.
Her smile was infectious and what a positive attitude she always had.
We grieve for all of your family in this very sad time.
All our love,
Dolly & Jack
Wise Family
September 16, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the families. Tracey's courage and grace will live on in our hearts forever.
Kaye Seagroves/Buchanan
September 16, 2016
May God bless you and carry you and all your family through this grief and sorry.
Mary Kay & Steve Pendergraph
September 16, 2016
David, Peggy, Ed and family, we are heartbroken for you. We have such great memories of living across the street from the Morrells on Thunder Road. What a beautiful obituary for such a beautiful lady. I can't think of two more special families than the Morells and Robersons. May God hold you close in the days ahead. Our deepest sympathies.
Barbara Puccio
September 16, 2016
I want to express my deepest condolences at this painful time. Sending love and strength to all her family and friend. The world was lucky to have Tracey as long as we did.
Stacy Torian
September 16, 2016
Dear Peggy and Family, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Tracey. Yesterday I read some of Tracey's reflections on her life and struggle with cancer. I was so moved and inspired by her spirit and determination to keep going in spite of all odds. I cannot even begin to understand your loss. My thoughts are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Sincerely, Stacy Torian
Betty Jo Garrett
September 15, 2016
Dearest David,Peggy and family,I am so sorry to get the news of Tracey's passing. I met Tracey when she worked at Roxboro Dye when she was a teen during the summer.Praying for peace and comfort in this sad time for each of you. Love,Betty Jo Morris Garrett
Jenni Moore Myers
September 15, 2016
Sending love, comfort, and strength to you and Anson, Ed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. xo
Kathy Greeson Westbrook and family
September 15, 2016
I'm so sorry to read this today! Tracey was an awesome person in every sense of the word. I was lucky enough to have her as my "big sis" at Alpha Chi-- and she made me feel welcomed and loved. I will lift your family up in prayer...
Mary Kathryn Panza
September 15, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Tracy was such a sweet, beautiful woman. I taught her son, Anson, back in first grade. Love and prayers to you all.
Bob & Mary Alice Lindsay
September 15, 2016
I cannot begin to express the heart ache that I that I feel inside my body today. I have known Tracey's parents since elementary school and although my wife and I were not blessed to have children I have enjoyed seeing the children of my friends grow into adults over these many years. I only met Tracey one time and that was that her grandfather's funeral in Huntington Valley Pennsylvania, but she left a lasting impression on me. She reminded me so much of her mother Peggy when she was her age. I have enjoyed seeing many pictures and blogs over the years and you could just tell that Tracey absolutely loved life. That is why she fought such a hard battle over these last eight years. But when you read her blog of how she was meeting Jesus yesterday you just knew what a special person she was. Thank you Tracey for all the many memories that you left with so many people. You will never be forgotten and will be missed by many. Rest in peace dear Tracey.
Caroline Green Nichols
September 15, 2016
I am so saddened to hear this news. I will always remember Tracey's beautiful heart and smile. I pray that you feel God's peace and comfort today and always. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today and in the days to follow.
Love and prayers to all who knew and loved Tracey.
Nancy Pickrell
September 15, 2016
Tracey was the true meaning of a happy person! I vividly remembering swimming with her at Northern and sitting on the sidelines laughing. She was a great person and she will truly be missed. Prayers for her family!
Pat Krieg
September 15, 2016
David and Peggy, so sorry on the loss of your beautiful daughter. May God comfort your whole family.
Ellen Traynor, DHMC
September 15, 2016
My thoughts and prayers to the Morrell & Roberson families at this most difficult time. There are no words...
Karen Edwards
September 15, 2016
I feel so lucky I crossed paths with Tracey. I look up to her in many ways and will always keep her in my heart.
Margaret and Jeffrey Love
September 15, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless your family in this tough time.
Jason Harrod
September 15, 2016
I am so sorry to hear Tracey is gone. She was a dear person, a friend to everyone she met. So sorry for Ed and Anson. Love and prayers to all.
John and Betsy Dominick
September 15, 2016
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you at this saddest of times.May happy memories and Tracey's spirit carry you through the days and weeks ahead.
Bulldog hugs, John and Betsy
Leisa Ellis
September 15, 2016
Tracey was such a sweet, friendly, loving person! Beautiful inside and out! My Love & Prayers are with all of her Family and Friends at this time! GOD BLESS! <3
Sylvia L. Cash
September 15, 2016
Tracey's obituary is, without a doubt, the most wonderful one I have ever read. She truly was an exceptional, loving, caring person. Sincere condolences to her family members, especially Ed, Anson and her parents. Someone once said that memories never dies; memories live forever. I am sure everyone has a storehouse of memories about Tracey to sustain them during this time.
Most sincerely,
Sylvia L. Cash
Nancy Wines
September 15, 2016
I'm truly sorry for the loss of your daughter. My prayers are with you and your family.
Meg/Jim Frankenfield
September 15, 2016
Tracey Ann will always be a shining star and our cherished god-child. Her precious dimples, zest and smile will always be with us.
Love and condolences to all her family--
Meg& Jim
Michael Dean
September 15, 2016
My Thoughts and Prayers To You All. Tracey Is Now In The Kingdom of Heaven And Suffering No More.She Lives Forever In Our Hearts ,and Thoughts. The Legacy of A Fighting Warrior in The Battle Against Cancer.
Jill Rigsbee
September 15, 2016
Tracey put the "fight" into fighting. She fought with all her might and turned over every stone and took every chance. What a inspiration she was to me, my husband and my son. I loved being in her presence as I always felt better for having been. I will see you on the other side my breast friend. We will support Ed and Anson completely. <3 Love, Jill, Chuck and Justin
Chip Lewis
September 15, 2016
Heaven gained a true angel.She was by far one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing since I was a little boy. I will always remember her smile and sense of humor even as she battled this dreaded disease.Tracey was one in a million. She will be missed.
Clint and Ginna Davidson
September 15, 2016
Tracy left everyone she met feeling a little better for being around her. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ed and Anson.
Cynthia LaMaster
September 15, 2016
Thoughts and prayers are with all of your family.
Pat Blake
September 15, 2016
An angel for sure . . . We're so blessed to have found such a wonderful, loving and selfless friend as Tracey. She lived 1John 3:18 each day: "Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth." Our love to Ed, Anson and all the family.
Lance Daniel
September 15, 2016
I am truly sorry to hear of Tracey's passing. My deepest condolences are extended to her family. I will always look back with fond memories of Tracey at the times spent at Willowhaven swimming pool and Northern High School. May she rest in peace; gone too soon.
September 15, 2016
Rest in Peace sweet girl - our hearts are heavy with sadness but know you are in a better place and free of pain. Our love to you Ed, Anson, Peggy, David and all the family.
Love to all,
Connie and Tom Chandler
Debbie Monsein-Black
September 15, 2016
Dear Peggy, David and family,
I was so sad to hear this news from Melissa this morning . Words cannot express how much my heart goes out to all of you. I have such wonderful memories of Tracey as a child and obviously growing into a wonderful adult. Please accept my sincere sympathy and I hope there is some comfort in your happy memories!
Warm Regards
Debbie
Pat Blake
September 15, 2016
What a marvelous lady, living each day as our example of 1 John 3:18: "Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth." To Ed, Anson and family, our love and prayers are with you.
Michelle Painter
September 15, 2016
You all are in my prayers
Christeen Barbour Butler
September 15, 2016
Rest in Peace
Rutt Family
September 15, 2016
What we are feeling is hard to describe. There will be continued love and support from everyone. Tracey was a very beautiful soul and we are very fortunate to have known her. We all are sorry for your loss.
Andi Tart
September 15, 2016
Prayers to all of the families. Tracey, a fellow gymnast from our childhood days at Triangle Twisters. You will be missed by so many. A beautiful woman with a great sense of humor and an infectious smile! With love,
Andi (Hunt) Tart
Ginger Ruedger-Jackson
September 14, 2016
My heart is heavy in hearing this news. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with Tracey's family and friends. I'm at such a loss for words but I am certain that heaven became a brighter place Wednesday.
Theresa Shouse
September 14, 2016
I had he pleasure of meeting Tracey at the Susan G. Komen walk in June. I worked in the same building as Peggy and when she told me about the walk my friend Jackie and I signed up. You looked so wonderful at the walk and full of energy. Heaven has gained another angel. Hugs and prayers to your family. I know you are at peace.
Rachel Phipps
September 14, 2016
Sweet Tracey. You will be so missed. What a blessing to know you even for such a short time. Rest in His arms.
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