Mollie Tracy

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Mollie Mariah Tracy passed away peacefully while sleeping on Monday night, May 16th, 2022, in her home at Joplin Gardens at the age of 96.

Mollie, the sixth child born to the late George “Sterling” and Chalotta (Overman) Grimes, was born on December 23, 1925, in Inola, OK. After losing her mother at a young age, Mollie moved to Joplin and was raised by her aunt and uncle, Mary and W.C. Cunningham.

Mollie married William Joseph Melton in 1947 and was blessed with their two children, Nancy and Joyce. Joe preceded her in death in 1948.

Mollie married Gene Tracy in 1953. They were married for 22 years and blessed with two children, Tonna and Terry. Mollie worked at the Spring City School as a cook until the school’s closure in 1965. She was also a well-known seamstress specializing in custom wedding dresses, prom dresses and other formal attire. She also owned Tracy’s Draperies designing custom window coverings. She coined the catchphrase “Treatments for all your window panes.” Mollie spent her time doing things she enjoyed, like cooking and sewing for her family, especially for her grandchildren, whom she loved to spoil. She always had a story to tell and sweets to share. Throughout the years Mollie was a faithful member of several local churches: Warrens Branch Baptist Church, Spring City Baptist Church and Oak Grove Baptist Church. She played the piano, taught Sunday School and would help in any role needed for her church family.

Mollie is survived by her children, Nancy Borden, of Joplin; Joyce Mittag and husband, Lonny, of Dexter; Tonna Thomas and husband, Tom, of Joplin; and Terry Tracy and wife, Lin, of Joplin. Mollie is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, Kimberly, Chad, Jason, Dustin, Nick, Tracy, Lisa, Joe, Becca, Tabitha, Tyler, and Kyle; 25 great grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and first husband, Mollie was preceded in death by her aunt and uncle, Mary and W. C. Cunningham; three sisters; two brothers; and one son-in-law, Alvin Borden.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 6241 Spurgeon Road, Joplin, with burial to follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, May 19th beginning at 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin. Memorial contributions may be made to Joplin Gardens and may be entrusted to the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin.