Traci Mishelle Burnett

Traci was born July 7, 1971 at St. Mary's Hospital, Enid, Oklahoma, to Tommy Williams and Teresa Williams (nee Carpenter) of Pond Creek, Oklahoma. They would move to Oklahoma City that same year.

Her first friends were Shane and arriving later, Larissa, as their mother began baby sitting Traci as a toddler. She and Larissa remained close friends their entire lives. On trips, she enjoyed water skiing and fishing under the tutelage of her maternal Grandfather, Cecil. Growing up she met her close friend Brandie. Describing themselves as sisters, they fought, made up, and loved each other all their lives. Brandie would later suggest a medical procedure which led to her ovarian cancer discovery.

Traci graduated from "the original" Putnam City High School in 1989. She attended Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma. She began her 21 year career at OETA Foundation becoming executive assistant to both directors. It was during these first years there she would meet her future husband Greg in April, 2000.

Greg remarked that he was immediately attracted by her long, graceful strides which reminded him of a swan, but mostly by her great sense of retro style, and more specifically, her collection of S0's and 60's Cat Eye Glasses. They travelled the country going to car shows and selling the shop merchandise and clothing line, and on hiking vacations with their dogs, all of which they rescued together from the street. They loved dancing the night away to their favorite bands. She accompanied Greg on tours when playing music. On one such trip, after 6 years together, they put their promises to each to other on paper and were married in Lockhart, Love County, TX on April 1st, 2006 (yes purposely). They restored their 1953 house together with their shared love of all things Mid-Century Modern. Traci loved spending time on the deck, watching her dogs wrestle and play. She loved tending her garden, flowers, and plants. She enjoyed cooking healthy and ethnic foods and sharing meals, time, conversation and laughs with her friends who greatly loved her. She loved life.

In 2018, it was found she had advanced ovarian cancer. She recovered from a long surgery and began the difficult process of chemotherapy, remaining a strong and stubborn warrior throughout. Some of the nurses remarks were: "She's the one who doesn't cry". "She's the one that doesn't complain". She was admired by the entire staff. In 2019, Traci was employed by Love's Country Stores as Executive Assistant and Project Analyst at Love's Executive Corporate offices. Love's hired her fully aware of her ongoing treatment and she was very touched by their generous and continuous support. Throughout her time there, they often expressed appreciation of her strong work ethic, positive energy, and her always present wit and humor. Over the five year fight, she never lost her huge heart. Hardly without fail, she would spend one of her weekend days looking to the wellbeing of her 90 year old Grandmother, Georgie Pope. They would visit and Traci would cook a meal with her mother as self-described "sous Chef".

A severe pain began and Traci had to be hospitalized. She was given a choice of Hospice or a surgery which if successful, would be life altering. Against advice, she chose to take a chance on life and the surgery. After recovering and learning the surgery was unsuccessful, she wanted to go home, surrounded by her walls, her things, her dogs, her loved ones. While there, she received a hand written card signed by the nurses staff and doctors at the cancer center. Her oncologist wrote: "You are a warrior. It has been my honor to care for you".

Early, on the morning of September 25th, her beautiful soul slipped the bonds of this world.

She is survived by her husband Greg, Stepdaughters Jessica Cargill of Edmond OK, Megan Burnett, Brussels, Belgium, her mother and stepfather, Teresa and David Cooper of Edmond OK, her father, Tommy Williams of Enid OK, Aunt Rhonda Cogswell of CA, Uncle Mark and Annie Carpenter of TX, her maternal grandmother, Georgie Pope of Okla City, OK, and her dogs, Lucha and Darla.

Her mother would like it said that, while in the hospital, Traci dictated a few tidbits of information she wanted included in her legacy, and she giggled and laughed through the process. She would like for everyone to remember her bright eyes and smiling face forever.

A celebration of life service for Traci will be held Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 5:00 PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 8701 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in Traci's name be made to Free to Live Animal Sanctuary.

SPOKEN WORDS OF FUNERAL CELEBRANT, GLENDA STANSBURY AT TRACI'S MEMORIAL:

Traci Mishelle Burnett. A beautiful woman inside and out. She marched through the world to her unique drummer, spreading positivity and strength everywhere she went. Her path was filled with love of family and friends, professional accomplishments, music, gardening and fur babies. Truly she was her own personality and her own special soul. She has left such an imprint on her world and will be missed by each and everyone who was lucky enough to be on her journey.

We stand in solace and support for Traci’s family, those broken hearts who will miss her smile each and every day: her husband, Greg, stepdaughters Jessica Cargill, Megan Burnett, mother Teresa and step father David Cooper, father Tommy Williams, aunt Rhonda Cogswell, Uncle Mark and Annie Carpenter, grandmother Georgie Pope and her dogs Lucha and Darla as well as her extended family and friends that she made family.

We pledge to you to be understanding and compassionate journeyers with you on this long and winding road path of grief. Since her time of passing on September 25th, you have just been trying to find how to catch your breath and put one foot in front of the other.

Welcome, my name is Glenda Stansbury and, on behalf of Chapel Hill Funeral Home, it is my honor to serve as the Celebrant for our time together. Today our gathering is a special and important moment to celebrate her life and mourn her death and be surrounded by people who are here to stand in silent vigilance for you.

On behalf of the family, thank you for being here today. Taking the time and making the effort to be a presence means more to hurting hearts than you will ever know. Your responsibilities stretch way beyond today. In the coming days and weeks and months it will be your words, your texts, and your calls which will be important touchstones for grieving souls.

Today we’ll share some of Traci’s stories on this adventure of life, see the snapshots of her beautiful smile and shining eyes, and gather up all the memories that you will carry with you for the rest of your lives.

So, let us begin with a moment of silence and reflection and calming breaths.

When we are faced with something that is so overwhelming and heart breaking and tragic, it is human nature to turn away, to avoid the reality, to hope it will disappear. But, that was not Traci’s legacy. This woman approached life head on with arms wide open to all the experiences.

She knew how to create wonderful meals that fed the body and the soul.

She loved creating moments and connections with friends spending time sharing and laughing and conversations.

She cherished the time with Greg, sitting on the deck and relishing her gardens, her puppies and her wonderful home created from their own personal style and personalities.

She thrived on the trips and adventures with Greg, making hundreds of friends all over the country.

She adored her family and made sure that she spent time every week with her mom and caring for her grandmother Georgie.

She took on all that life had to offer, the mountains and valleys, the joys and the challenges, with full determination and confidence, without a blink or a thought of turning away.

This is the example she left behind for each of you. To embrace her example of courage and compassion and caring and face all the heartbreaking parts full on, knowing that you can and will survive. That you carry with you her fierce strength and unwavering optimism and unending belief in the healing power of love and community.

So, let’s talk about this most wonderful woman, Traci.

Traci began her one wild and precious life on July 7, 1971 in Enid Oklahoma, the only child born to Tommy and Teresa Williams. Soon they moved to Oklahoma City where they put down roots and Traci made it her home for the rest of her life.

Traci was a friend collector and often scooped up people in her life and invited them to be a part of her experience for the entire journey.

She met Shane and Larissa when their mother was Traci’s babysitter as a toddler. Larissa was there to go along for this wild and precious life for five decades.

Early on, she learned the love of nature and outdoors from her trips with Grandfather Cecil taking her water skiing and fishing.

The next addition to Traci’s life long friend collection was Brandie. They considered themselves sisters of the hearts and saw all of life’s joys and challenges together.

Traci attended Putnam City High School, known as the Original and graduated in 1989.

Rissy Peters wrote:

Traci was my first friend. She was 8 years older than me. When she was in high school she would come pick me up and let me pal around with her. I felt cool by association. When she worked at Sound Warehouse I would walk up to see her. She was just the coolest. She was always her own person with her own style. She was a kind and thoughtful human being and a loyal friend. I’ll miss our walks and talks. The world was a better place with her in it.

After graduation, Traci spent some time in higher education, attending OSU and the University of Central Oklahoma. Again, she added to her collection of friends who would be part of her journey.

Debra Bowers remembers:

I have so many memories of Traci. We met at OSU and have been friends since. At times in my life she was my best friend. She was always honest with genuine curiosity. She was so much fun and a joy to be around. My favorite memory is from college, a new year's eve party. We laughed so hard my face hurt.

Throughout her life, people reflected upon this generous spirit and caring heart that Traci offered to everyone.

Michi Medley shared her memories:

Traci was one of my first friends in Oklahoma when I moved here from London. I couldn’t drive when I first moved here and she would pick me up from work and take me to lunch. She was there for my eldest’s first birthday, and helped host my daughter’s baby shower. She was always there for me through the good and the bad. I had a dream about her a few days before she passed. We were having tea together at her house. I feel like she sent me the gift of this dream as a goodbye. Always thinking of others right up to the end. I love you dear friend and I already miss you terribly.

Amanda Medina-Baxter wrote:

Always a loving, kind and wise person. A good friend, a beautiful smile, empathetic without being coddling. I just adored every thing about this woman. Life may go on but it will never be the same. I’ll miss her tremendously.

When it was time for Traci to enter the professional world, she went to work for the OETA Foundation.

OETA Foundation existed exclusively for the benefit of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority and in support of OETA's mission to provide educational and public television programming as Oklahoma's only PBS station and the only television network serving our entire state. OETA is dedicated to ensuring that families throughout the state have free access to world-class arts, entertainment, education and information, including the 20% of viewers who depend on a free broadcast signal rather than cable or satellite packages.

Traci was an talented and incredible employee, working as the executive assistant for both of the executive directors. People appreciated her work ethic, her unending enthusiasm and smile, her determination to help her fellow professionals and her community. She worked there for 21 years until the Foundation underwent a reorganization and her position was eliminated.

After searching for job opportunities, she found a position at Love’s Country Stores as Executive Assistant and Project Analyst at Loves’ Executive Corporate Offices. The owners and executive staff at Loves recognized her skills, her experience, her talent and, most importantly, her spirit and her energy and placed her at the top of the organizational chart, trusting her expertise and leadership qualities to fill this important position. Every person who worked with Traci from 2019 remarked about this woman who carried such a light and spirit and an unending work ethic.

The most important part of her story at Love’s was that Traci was a valued and valuable part of the team and was celebrated and respected for her dedication and strength, right in the middle of her cancer treatments. Never did she let those brutal procedures or inevitable side effects dim her smile or lessen her efforts.

Jacquie Stamps remembered fondly:

Traci was one of the first people to befriend me at Love's. Her kindness shown through constantly, and she always had time to say hi when she passed by. When the times were tough, she still smiled. I was always amazed by her strength and determination. I send prayers for Greg, the doggos I always heard about, and the rest of her family. You will be deeply missed.

Greg Burnett was just living his life. He was a musician, a contractor and a hot rod entrepreneur. He loved going to bars and music events to enjoy the local bands or to play himself.

2000, he was hanging out listening to the music at 66 Bowl. As fate would have it, Brandie and Traci were also there to have a fun girls’ night out.

Greg saw this beautiful statuesque woman and thought she looked like a graceful swan with her long strides—he called it her model walk. He was immediately attracted by her eyes, her smile and her quirky retro cat’s eye glasses.

So, he was sitting there trying to figure out how to strike up a conversation. He heard the women talking about one of their friends, Shannan, who worked at Flips. Oh, great. I know Shannan. Here is my entry. He edged in and began to talk to them. He was intrigued.

Traci and Greg ran into each other at a few more shows and finally, one night, were at VZD’s. They sat and talked the night away and then Traci asked him to escort her to her car, since it was late the neighborhood was a bit sketchy at that time. Or, Greg offered to walk her to her car. There is no agreement on this crucial fact. They stood at the car and talked for a while and then parted ways. Then Greg realized that he had not gotten her number. So, he reached out to their mutual acquaintance and called her and invited her to come over.

Traci arrived for dinner and he made his bolognaise sauce. He claims that sealed the deal. And they were together from that moment on.

They had found their soul mate. They loved the same music. They loved mid century modern and retro style living. They loved making friends. They loved adventures. They loved each other. Greg said it was like meeting yourself in a prettier package. Everything fit.

And so they headed out to see the country together. They traveled to car shows and selling merchandise and car parts from Greg’s shop. Great trips to venues to listen to their favorite bands. Hiking trips with the puppies. Traci was the number one fan on the front row when Greg was playing his music. Dancing the night away and just reveling in the joy of music and fun and friends and love. They made hundreds of friends on their travels, people who shared their unique style and love of music and adventures.

Traci had purchased a home and while they were spending a lot of time at each other’s homes, they primarily stayed at Traci’s because she was caring for a diabetic cat. Finally, they determined that it just made more sense for them to move in together.

Greg put his contractor skills to good use and they restored the home to its original 1950’s glory. Greg built a beautiful deck that looked out on the big backyard with a tiki bar. Here they could invite friends and family to come have fun. Here they could sit outside in the peace and watch the dogs wrestle and run. Here they soaked in the peace of nature and the gift of relationship.

Traci and Greg made an annual trek to Austin, where all the great music is. On those trips, they would stop in the little towns up and down I35 and marvel at the architecture and beauty of some of those old courthouses that were built in the 1900’s as well as finding great little hometown restaurants. As they discussed the possibilities of commemorating their life long promise of devotion and dedication, they decided that they would do it at one of those old historic courthouses in Lockhart Texas.

So, on April 1st, 2006, they showed up in Lockhart to stand in front of the justice of peace and pledge to support and honor and love each for the rest of their lives. And yes, the date was intentional. They had found a home in each other’s hearts, no fooling.

Greg’s daughters, Jessica and Megan, were thrilled that their dad had found someone who made him so happy.

The words of the song that Greg chose for this time together says it all:

She floats like a swan

Grace on the water

Lips like sugar

Just when you think you've caught her

She glides across the water

She calls for you tonight

\To share this moonlight

You'll flow down her river

She'll ask and you'll give her

Lips like sugar

Sugar kisses

She knows what she knows

I know what she's thinking

She'll be my mirror

Reflect what I am

Loser and winner

The king of Siam

And my Siamese twin

Alone in the river

Mirror kisses

Mirror kisses

Traci believed that life was laying out in front of her in a wonderful way. She had a husband who loved what she loved, she had a successful career, she had a great family, she had loyal and long lasting friends, she had her puppies and her home. All was well in the world. Until it was not.

When she began having serious issues in 2018, Brandie, her friend who was a nurse, suggested that she consult with her physician about an ablation. When the doctor administered an ultra sound to see where the pain was coming from, it was discovered that she had tumors the size of tennis balls on her ovaries. This was certainly not the news that was expected and could have put another person on their knees. But Traci faced it with the same determination and courage as she faced everything else. OK, let’s go.

After the hysterectomy, she underwent the long and difficult treatments of chemo. Anyone who has endured this hopeful and harmful procedure knows how overwhelming the side effects and the process can be.

But she was ready to think of dangerous and noble things and be afraid of nothing. She was a strong and resilient warrior.

The nurses remarked “she’s the one who doesn’t cry”. “She’s the one that doesn’t complain”. She was admired by the entire staff with her calm, pragmatic and optimistic approach to this scary world.

She was eternally grateful to the staff at Love’s who made allowances and time for her many, many trips to treatment and tests and scans and appointments. They knew what a special person they had and they were more than patient to allow her to fight this good fight.

There was some time of hope when it seemed that the cancer had been conquered or moved into remission. But, after some time, the pain returned and it was clear that she was experiencing a reoccurrence as well as complications with sepsis from a perforated bowel.

The medical professionals gave Traci and Greg the options—another difficult surgery or go home on hospice. Traci was not ready to give up and she opted for the surgery which was complicated and ultimately unsuccessful.

Teresa sat with her only child in the hospital, providing that strength that she had offered her entire life. Traci wanted to help write part of her obituary, making sure that her voice was heard and Teresa remarked that she giggled and laughed through the process. It wasn’t going to be a sad or dark moment. Those shining eyes and brilliant smile could not be defeated.

Finally, it was time to go home, surrounded by her sweet home that she and Greg had created together, cuddling with her dogs, welcoming her loved ones for visits and making the very best of this final steps in her wild and precious life.

She received a note from her oncologist, that talented and caring professional who had offered such support and wisdom and guidance during this seven year battle. It simply read, “you are a warrior. It has been my honor to care for you”.

On September 5th, Greg and Traci went to an art show for one of their friends, Matt Goad. While she was struggling with pain, she enjoyed the time visiting with friends and just being out. And that was her final time to leave her home.

Greg and the hospice staff provided all the assistance and comfort possible as she faced her final days. And, then, on September 25th, it was time. Time to close her eyes on this wild and precious life that she had created. Time to see what the next adventure might be. Time to say goodbye to all she loved, knowing that she had given her very best of her heart for her entire 53 years. It was time.

And now, it’s time for us to take a deep breath and sink into the snapshots of this beautiful life and all the light and joy she shared.

VIDEO TRIBUTE

And now, after the shock and the overwhelming ache, each person who love and admire Traci gather up their own strength and determination to celebrate her through their tears, to honor her through their grief, to support each other just as Traci would.

We stand here in this sacred space where you can be surrounded by her spirit and her memories. Where you can find comfort and grace in allowing yourself to grieve in the way that is best for you, remembering her in the gatherings and parties and music, to know that laughter and tears are two of the most healing responses we are blessed to have. To face this deepest sorrow just as Traci would—with courage and resilience.

We honor Teresa and David and Tommy as you experience the unbelievable loss of your daughter. Parents are not supposed to live beyond their children. We are there when they come into the world, but we don’t plan to be here when they leave. We will continue to hold you safe in our hearts as you walk through this deep grief.

Greg, you have lost this beautiful half of your soul. The woman who clicked into your soul at first sight. Your wife who brought joy and light and enthusiasm to all the adventures and dreams that you shared for 24 years. We hope that you give yourself all the time needed to put all of those pieces of your heart back together, remembering the incredible foundation and love she brought to you.

To the rest of the family and all the friends that she made family, the rest of the story is yours to understand and to express. Each person had their own individual relationships and experiences and deserves permission to deal with this loss in the way that fits them best. Giving space and grace and recognition is the most valuable gift you can give each other.

How do you even begin to accept the reality of this death that she had fought so hard to delay? There is no road map for this trip. There are no signs or exit lanes. There is no way to fly above it or hide below it.

You just take a breath and take a step. And then another step and another breath. And then you rest. And you rely on those around you to give you strength and remember that you are never alone. The only way to survive a loss of this magnitude is to give yourself time.

Time to absorb. Time to remember. Time to gradually turn grief into gratitude for this big life. Time to appreciate that she burned so very bright and invited everyone to join her on the adventure.

You claim that same courage and undaunted spirit that Traci exhibited every day. You ask “what would Traci do?” and follow her example for embracing your life. Check in on everyone. Be the light for others. Be willing to accept the help that you might need.

Those who came to stand in honor and support for Traci’s family, you now take the responsibility to be vigilant journeyers. We often say that people in grief need the Three H’s. They need you to hang around, hug ‘em and hush. Trust the power of presence, silence, patience and compassion as you accompany them on this path of grief and remembering.

We’ll close our time together with a final blessing written by Tahlia Hunter and then send you into your time of gathering to walk these next steps together.

Take the love you have for me

And radiate it outwards

Allowing it to touch and impact others

Take the memory you have of me

And use it as a source of inspiration

To live fully, meaningfully and intentionally

Take the image you have of me in your mind

And allow it to fuel you

To take action

Seize the day

And be reminded of what is most important in life

Take the care you have for me

And let it remind you

To care for yourself fully

And shower yourself with your own love

And take the pain and grief you feel

Following my loss

And alchemize it into

Love, compassion and beauty

Build a castle

From the wreckage of my passing

And allow it to unlock your greatness and potential

And empower you to become more than you ever thought you were capable of being

And know that I can never truly leave you

And will always remain beside you

Watching over you in spirit

And that the love I have for you lives on

Through the connections you form

The kindness and compassion you share

And the future relationships and friendships you cultivate.

And until we are one day reunited

I will remain with you

Through the storms and chaos of life

And am always beside you

Walking with you, laughing with you, crying with you and smiling with you

And I am proud of you for being strong

I am proud of you for being brave

And I am proud of you for being you.

Go in peace and take care of each other for Traci.

Amen and Amen