Tracie Ann Christian Rose
 MATTHEWS – On May 13, 2015, Tracie Ann Christian Rose won her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer and died surrounded by her family to be raised with Christ. Tracie was born on August 21, 1954 in South Charleston, WV to Rose Thabet Christian and the late Donald Clay Christian. Tracie graduated from South Charleston High School and then from the Nursing Department of Morris Harvey College in 1974; a week later Tracie married her high school sweetheart, Stuart Rose, on May 18. Theirs was a marriage filled with love and joy for 41 years, and blessed beyond measure by the births of Diane, Daniel and Rachel following their move in 1979 to Matthews, NC. Tracie worked as an operating room nurse for thirty years, and she was known by her colleagues as a compassionate and dedicated nurse, and as a caring friend. In 2010, Tracie answered a call to ministry, was licensed as a Local Pastor and was appointed to serve as Assistant Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC. At First Church, Pastor Tracie led the Pastoral Care ministries, bringing to many the assurances of faith, comfort and healing as she proclaimed the Good News boldly and inclusively. Tracie was preceded in death by her father, Donald Clay Christian; she is survived by her mother Rose Thabet Christian. She is also survived by her husband Stuart and their children Diane Rose, Daniel and wife Neely Rose, and Rachel Rose. Granddaughter Mallory gave her granna more joy than words can describe. Tracie is also survived by her sister, Dona Hall, brothers Clay Christian and Brian Christian, and by many nieces, nephews and cousins. As daughter, wife, mother, nurse, pastor, friend – Tracie lived a courageous and passionate life, guided by the words of her favorite scripture, Micah 6:8 ” seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Tracie believed that every person she met was a unique creation of God and a new opportunity to share the love of Christ. Acknowledging her own brokenness, Tracie accepted everyone as they are, where they are, and who they are with unconditional love and respect. Tracie believed that her life was filled with God’s grace and she tried to share that grace as often as she could. In recent months, the love that Tracie shared with so many came flooding back to her from her “First Family”, her friends and from “Team Tracie.” Your words and affirmations lifted our spirits so many times. The Rose family is deeply grateful to the heroes, angels and geniuses who cared for Tracie and us all along her journey. Your skill and compassion provided much needed comfort and peace. You blessed our lives – may God bless you as you care for those who need you. A service to celebrate the life of Rev. Tracie Christian Rose will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, May 18, at First United Methodist Church, Charlotte; Rev. Jonathan Coppedge-Henley and Rev. Dr. Charles Wilson will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Those who would like to may contribute to a keepsake recording of memories and messages in celebration of Tracie’s life. You are invited to call “Life on Record” at 1-800-606-0697 and enter the password 14998 when prompted and you’ll hear instructions on how to record your message. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tracie’s memory to First United Methodist Church, Charlotte; to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (http://purplestride.kintera.org/charlotte/teamtracie), to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, or to the ministry or charity of your choosing. The sanctuary flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of our “First Family” by the Rose family. Your love, prayers, flowers, food, cards and presence gave Tracie and us more comfort and support than words can ever express. You have blessed us mightily. We love you. Heritage Funeral Home is serving the Rose family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.heritagecares.com.   Published in Charlotte Observer on May 15, 2015