Tracy Geraldine (Smith) Bridgers

Tracy Geraldine Smith Bridgers of 2778 Odell School Road, Concord NC, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday December 26, 2023, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, NC after a short but brave fight with pancreatic cancer. Tracy was born in Concord, NC on November 22,1960 and raised in the Odell community of Cabarrus County. After graduating from Northwest Cabarrus High School in 1979, Tracy attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro from which she graduated in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. She began her teaching career with Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools in the fall of 1983 and taught at several schools in the district, including Hawthorne Junior High School, Alexander Graham Junior High School, and North Mecklenburg High School. In 2001 she moved to Cabarrus County Schools where she became math department chairperson at Jay M. Robinson High School and was named Teacher of the Year for the 2008-2009 school year. She then moved to Cox Mill High School where she also served as math department chairperson and from which she retired in 2015 after 32 years of teaching. Following her retirement, she continued to enjoy her love of teaching and nurturing children as a private math tutor.

All aspects of Tracy’s life were guided by her faith in Jesus Christ, which was nowhere more evident than in her service to Gilwood Presbyterian Church where she was a lifelong member. Tracy served several terms as an officer of the Church, both as an ordained elder and deacon, and served as Clerk of Session. She was active in the Gilwood Presbyterian Women, serving as Moderator from 1995 – 1997, and was active in the women’s circle groups. Tracy sang in the choir beginning in her mid-teens, continuing through the rest of her life in the church and played in the church bell choir. Her love of teaching children extended to her church life as well, as for many years she taught children’s Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible School, for which she had also served as director.

Tracy was a member of Cabarrus Country Club along with her husband, Chuck. There she enjoyed golfing with her husband, other couples and her fun friends in the Ladies Golf Association in which she was active. She also enjoyed dining at the club with her husband and friends and participating in many other club activities.  Tracy and Chuck also spent as much time as they could on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, where they were season passholders for many years, enjoying the Estate at all times of the year and especially during the Christmas Season.

Tracy is survived by her husband, Charles A. “Chuck” Bridgers, Jr., her mother and father Dolores and Bernard Smith, her brothers Matthew Smith (Florence) and Joseph Smith (Diane), her sister-in-law Cheryl Bridgers Hand (George), nephews Steven and Adam Hand, goddaughter Laura Essick Hanfman, and many aunts, uncles and cousins whom she loved dearly. Tracy was predeceased by her godson, Bradley Essick.

The family will receive visitors at Whitley’s Funeral Home 1748 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis, NC  28083 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday December 29, 2023. The funeral service will take place at Gilwood Presbyterian Church at 1:00 PM on Saturday December 30th with interment following in the church cemetery with the Rev. Charles “Chaz” Blasdell and Rev. Alan Buckner officiating. Tracy will lie in state 1 hour prior to service on Saturday at the church.  Memorial donations can be made to Gilwood Presbyterian Church, 2993 Odell School Road, Concord NC 28027 (or online at gilwoodchurch.com/give/) or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis NC 28081 (or online Atriumhealth.org/locations/detail/hospice-and-palliative-care-of-cabarrus-county).