Mary "Tracy" Stanfiel

Mary “Tracy” Stanfiel, 70, joined the Lord’s Heavenly Angels on June 10, 2026.

She was born in Asheville, NC on September 6, 1955 and lived the majority of her life there. She had been in Johnson City, TN since October of last year to be nearer to her sister. Tracy was the daughter of the late Ben L. Stanfiel and the late Dorothy Cabaniss Stanfiel.

Tracy attended Asheville City Schools and graduated from Asheville High School in 1973. She received a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Warren Wilson College in 1977. She also earned a M.A. degree in Reading in Public Schools from Western Carolina University in 1983.

Tracy retired with 30 years of service in the Buncombe County School System in 2007. She taught all 30 years at Oakley Elementary School in Asheville, teaching grades 1-4.

Tracy was of the Presbyterian faith, and her God was very special to her. She kept the nursery at church for many years.

Tracy was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy “Dot” Stanfiel and Ben L. Stanfiel, as well as her precious pup, Bella, of Asheville.

She is survived by a sister and brother in law, Sharon and David Miller of Johnson City, TN; two nephews, John Miller of Johnson City, TN and Adam Miller of Henderson, CO; great nieces, Sophia and Zoey, of Johnson City, TN and great nephew, Levi, of Henderson, CO. She is also survived by a special friend, Brandon. Those children were her pride and joy, and brought her much happiness! She also leaves behind countless friends that a meant the world to her, especially her best friends, Dawn Tweit and Karen Worthington. Her love for all animals, especially dogs, was evident during her life.

Tracy was a very giving person, even after her passing. She was able to donate both of her corneas, as well as other donations. Her legacy will live on through these recipients.

Tracy’s favorite color was blue, so the family asks that all attendees wear blue to the service, if possible.

A Memorial Service will be held from 2:00 until 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church, on the campus of Warren Wilson College, 101 Chapel Lane in Swannanoa, NC and will be officiated by a friend of Tracy’s, Revered Tim Worthington. Her family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service, from 1:00-2:00 PM in the Ransom Fellowship Hall, located behind the church.

Tracy’s family would like to thank the staff at The Abundant Christian Living Community in Johnson City for their Christ-like love and care that was shown to Tracy and her sister, Sharon. Her family wants to thank the staff on 4200 at Johnson City Medical Center for their wonderful care that was given to Tracy and Sharon as well. Thank you to the Hospice nurses, chaplains and social workers as well.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101, Make A Wish of Central and Western North Carolina, 217 E. Tremont Ave, Charlotte NC 28203, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, PO Box 8195, Asheville NC 28803 or the Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friends Lane, Asheville NC 28806.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.

Tracy will be missed, but not forgotten.