Tracy Renee' (Hicks) O'Neil

In humble reverence to the will of God, we gather today to honor and celebrate the remarkable life, boundless love, and enduring legacy of Tracy Renee O’Neil, who graced this world as a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Tracy was born on May 30, 1965, at 8:10 a.m., in Emporia, Virginia, to the patronage of Dorothy Ann Bowser and the Late Morris Nathaniel Hicks. She was the eldest granddaughter of the late Deacon Joseph Allen and Deaconess Magnolia Allen, and she was nurtured in a Christian household that revered God and embraced service to Him. Tracy accepted Christ at an early age and became a devoted member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, where she served as a Jr. Usher during her childhood.

After graduating from Greensville County High School in 1983, Tracy embarked on a journey that led her to various locations, including Washington DC, Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Tracy was proud to receive her associates degree from the Community College of Southern Maryland in 2015.  roughout her life, she remained deeply committed to her faith, actively participating in the ministries of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church and returning to serve at Jerusalem Baptist Church during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tracy’s compassion and empathy led her to establish the Sister’s Circle, a women’s support group aimed at fostering prayer and connection during challenging times.

Tracy’s heart overflowed with love and generosity, and she tirelessly worked to keep her family, friends, and colleagues connected in service to others. She was a dedicated employee of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom for over 30 years, where she also shared her faith through weekly motivational messages and prayer sessions. Tracy’s diverse interests included traveling, cooking and hosting dinners, gardening, photography and sports - tennis, bowling and softball; and she embraced life with an indomitable spirit and unwavering strength. At age 58 she could show you her Junior Usher’s Badge, high school art class self-portraits, a doll her grandmother gave her at age 6 and hundreds of family pictures from back in the day. Tracy also sold Avon part-time, and her side hustle was selling watermelons during the summer, for many years. She possessed the trait of hard work and would often say, “You never know how strong you can be, until you have to be.”

In the early morning of Thursday, March 21st, Tracy peacefully transitioned into the loving arms of God at her home, surrounded by her beloved husband, mother and sister. While we mourn her passing, we take comfort in knowing that Tracy has been reunited with her loved ones who preceded her in death, including her paternal grandmother, Carrier Hicks Allen; grandfather, Bob Hicks; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Magnolia Allen; father, Morris N. Hicks; great-uncle, Lemon Allen; uncles, Daniel Allen, John Hicks and Arthur Hicks; aunt Lorraine Lenard; and godmother, Susie Edwards and other cherished family members.

Tracy leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will forever reside in the hearts of those who knew her. She is survived by: her husband, Hershel G. O’Neil of the home; parents James and Dorothy Bowser of Emporia, Virginia; stepson, Stefan O’Neil of Trinidad; sister, Stacy Gray and niece, Calcy Gray of Gaston, North Carolina; special younger cousins, Wakia and Daneia Allen of Clinton, Maryland, Kevin Allen of Columbia, South Carolina, and Antione Allen (Joy) of Stafford, Virginia, whom she watched grow up like little sisters and brothers; her dedicated sidekick dog, Gracie; great-uncle, Paul Allen (Jackie) of Cary, North Carolina; cousin/sister-at-heart, Bertha Pulley (Sam) of Fredericksburg, Virginia; uncles, Mathew Allen (Josephine) of Richmond, Virginia, Joseph Allen Jr. (Ruby) and Waverly Allen (Sonja) all of Emporia, Virginia and Ben Allen of Atlanta, Georgia; aunts, Hattie Vaughan (Larry) and Bertha Hicks of all of Emporia, Virginia, Mary Spears (Franklin) of Fort Washington, Maryland, Eloise Paige (Pharis) of Columbia, South Carolina and Juanita Henderson (Andre) of Clinton, Maryland; and cousin, Keith Allen of Florida.

United in marriage, Tracy was also blessed to be embraced by her Trinidadian family. She was a sister-in-law to Ian, Lisa, and Tricia O’Neil; aunt to Vincent O’Neil, Liam O’Neil, and Candice, Christopher, and Grace Jaggasar; Niece-in-law, to Ken and Merle Rivas of Hampton, Virginia; cousin-in-law to Anna McGowan-Rivas of Hampton, Virginia, Douglas McGowan of Michigan, Patrick and LaTanya Rivas of Sterling, Virginia, and Phyllis, Haydn, Nicole, and Corrine Remy of New York. Tracy leaves her special friends and family all too numerous to name.

As we bid farewell to Tracy, we take solace in the knowledge that she lived a life of purpose, kindness, and unwavering faith. Her memory will continue to inspire us to embrace each day with love, compassion, and gratitude, just as she did. With hearts heavy with grief yet uplifted by the joy of Tracy’s memory, we bid her a peaceful journey into eternity, knowing that she will forever dwell in the hearts of those she touched.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. O'Neil's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mrs. Tracy Renee' Hicks O'Neil.

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