Tracey Denise Manchac

Tracey Denise Manchac, 58, of Beaumont, Texas passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Tracey was born July 4, 1963 in Waco, Texas to Jane Owens Griffin and Gene Owen McCollum.

Tracey will be remembered for her incredible storytelling, her unbreakable spirit, and her enormous pride and love for her children. Those who loved Tracey knew she never met a stranger and exuded a warmth that engulfed everyone she encountered. She deeply valued her relationships and could often be caught spending hours on the phone chatting about the big questions of life and of course the small ones too - she cared about even the mundane aspects of her loved ones’ lives. Throughout her lifetime, Tracey gathered more wisdom than some folks twice her age and loved to imbue that life experience upon others, especially the young people in her life. She had a sense of humor that was bolstered by a loud and vibrant personality that left many with tears in their eyes and sore face muscles from laughing. Although she could keep her loved ones laughing, she was always there to offer a compassionate and kind ear when times were not so light-hearted. Most importantly, she lived her life as authentically as possible and inspired others to be unapologetically themselves. Although Tracey is now in the arms of our Father, her spirit can still be felt wherever there is a vase of fresh tulips or wherever her beloved children gather.

Tracey is preceded in death by her loving husband, James Merlin Manchac and her mother, Jane Owens Griffin.

Those left behind to cherish Tracey’s memory are her children, Sara Wills of Magnolia, TX; Jacob Wills and his husband, Bryan of Beaumont, TX; Marisa “Reesie” Manchac of Phoenix, AZ; Wendy McElroy and her husband, Lynn of Lumberton, TX; father, Gene McCollum of San Antonio, TX; siblings, Michael McCollum and his wife, Tracey of Prescott, AZ; Jason McCollum of San Antonio, TX; Byron Gene “BG” McCollum of San Antonio, TX; Cara McCollum of San Antonio, TX; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, co-workers and friends who became family.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday, October 4, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with a service to begin at 11:00 a.m., at Melancon’s Funeral Home, Nederland, Texas. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m., at Trout Creek Cemetery in 1405 FM 1004 Call, Texas.