Tracy Pieper Brown

May 19, 1964 - February 10, 2015
Tracy Pieper Brown

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Tracy Pieper Brown, 50, was a world-class wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She brought a positive outlook, determined attitude and unwavering faith to everything she tackled, including a five-year battle with ovarian cancer. While that battle is now over, her faith and courage served as an inspiration to everyone who met her.

Tracy passed away on Tuesday, February 10 surrounded by her family. She is now with the Lord.

Tracy’s life was full and fulfilling, albeit much too short. She was a talented banker and financial planner, a devoted community volunteer and fundraiser, and a loyal friend who loved to share a laugh and lend a helping hand. One friend recently described her as “an inextinguishable flame of love, hope and warmth that was not tucked away for just a few to see.” Indeed.

The greatest joy in Tracy’s life has always been her daughter, Emma, a kind and gentle soul who shares her mother’s faith, grace and bright, energetic spirit.

Tracy was born in Columbia, SC but spent most of her childhood in Creve Coeur, Missouri. She attended the University of Kansas and remained a loyal Jayhawk long after moving to North Carolina in her twenties.

She joined Wachovia Bank in 1992. While attending a bank training program, she picked up much more than new skills. She met Michael, a fellow banker who would become her husband. They were married at St. James Episcopal Church in 1994.

Tracy went on to have a long and successful career in banking and finance, working with Centura Bank and Fountain Financial Associates in Wilmington.

She was a long-time member of the Junior League of Wilmington where she served on the executive committee and received the Esther Elliott Sparkman Award for inspiration. She was a member of numerous community boards, including the Wilmington Azalea Festival committee and New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation board. She belonged to Country Club of Landfall and the Surf Club.

In 2014, Tracy helped establish She ROCKS to fund ovarian cancer research and provide support to fellow cancer patients. The organization recently donated $50,000 to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Tracy is survived by her husband Michael, her daughter Emma Grace, her mother Jean Pieper of St. Charles, Missouri, her sisters Kristi (Larkin) O’Keefe of Prairie Village, Kansas and Melanie (Mark) Zuanich of Chesterfield, Missouri, eight nieces and nephews and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her father, David B. Pieper.

The family is grateful to the physicians and nurses/angels at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, including Dr. Walter Gajewski and Dr. Rob Shaker, as well as Dr. Peter Kramer, for providing outstanding care and support.

Tracy was a lifelong Christian and an active member of Wrightsville United Methodist Church. A celebration of Tracy’s life will be held on Friday, February 13 at 3:00 pm at Port City Community Church, 250 Vision Drive in Wilmington. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to She ROCKS (PO Box 215, Wilmington, NC 28402) or Wrightsville United Methodist Church (4 Live Oak Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480).

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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