At age 55, our dear sweet, Tracy Hurd Willard of Vinton, VA, escaped her earthly tent quickly, graciously and peacefully on Thursday, December 29, 2022, surrounded by friends and family. With worship music playing and our hands laid on her, we prayed her out of this world into the next. Our hearts ache for ourselves but we rejoice and praise God for His mercies.

Tracy was born on January 28, 1967, in Radford, Virginia to Grant and Judy Hurd of Pulaski. She graduated from Pulaski High School in 1985. Tracy was happily married to Brian Willard for 33 years, her partner in life for 36 years.

Tracy is survived by her husband; two parents, one sister, three children, and two grandchildren who will miss her dearly and strive to honor her example of devotion to her Lord and Savior.

Tracy loved her family very much, but for those who knew Tracy, her love reached far beyond her family. She was the one to call on to help us sooth our crying children, the best potty-training tricks, for financial advice, how to parent those tough teenagers, to proofread our papers, for marriage advice, to help us fall asleep, and to get us through heartbreak. Tracy always took on the role of being whoever you needed her to be. She has touched so many hearts with her Spirit-fed unconditional love. Her contagious love for Christ and her Godly influence on others has made such a huge impact on His Kingdom.

We know that God is so pleased to welcome Tracy into Heaven, where she belongs, singing His praise with her beautiful voice forever and ever. God’s grace is sufficient and there is peace knowing that she is in His arms.

We will hold a celebration of Tracy’s life at Blue Ridge Christian Camp, 1751 Sterling Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060 at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023 with her husband, Pastor Brian Willard officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023, at Garden City Baptist Church, 3536 Garden City Blvd., SE, Roanoke, VA 24014.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the following missions, My Father’s House International, P.O. Box 20673, Roanoke, VA 24018; Blue Ridge Christian Camp, P.O. Box 428, McCoy, VA 24111; or to Pioneer Bible Translators, 7255 West Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas, TX 75236.