Tracey Lynn Coke

Tracey Coke loved adventure

Just this past May—two months before her ovarian cancer diagnosis and four months before her passing on the evening of September 23, 2025, at 59 years old—the Clarksville, Indiana, native boarded a plane. Only hours before did she know her destination. 

It was a mystery trip. The tour company had parceled out clues in advance. Tracey delighted in posting them on Facebook, inviting friends to guess the magical locale. Some thought Greece, others Spain. But as a lifelong student of the world, Tracey suspected she’d be heading to the land of paintings and pasta—and, as usual, she was right.

She spent a week in Puglia, Italy, strolling storybook streets, marveling at Roman ruins, and feasting on fresh, spicy, beautiful meals. In her photos, the 1984 Clarksville High School graduate wore her familiar, easygoing smile.

Now Tracey embarks on her next great adventure—in the Lord’s kingdom—reuniting with loved ones who went before her: parents Roger and Pauletta Coke, brother Leslie Coke, and several of her beloved Disney-travel friends. Though comforted that she is no longer in pain, those she leaves behind still grieve deeply.

After earning degrees in Photojournalism and Printing Technology from Ball State University, Tracey devoted 37 years to the University of Louisville, serving the college’s graphic design and print needs with care and creativity. Even during chemotherapy, she longed to return to the work family she loved and the job she cherished.

While heartbroken, her neighbors and lifelong friends from McTavish Drive and Clarksville High School celebrate her spirit by remembering the many happy times they shared. 

First Southern Baptist Church of Clarksville mourns the loss of a sister in Christ who devoted countless hours to their Sunday School nursery. A member of the congregation for over half a century, Tracey took great delight in helping to lead Vacation Bible School during the summers, and also lent her beautiful voice to their choir through the years.  

All those she met on her many journeys—to Disney and beyond—miss their ever-present shutterbug and cherished travel companion, whose kindness brightened every trip.

In addition to these friends, Tracey is survived by her cherished dog, Brinkley. After Tracey’s mother passed away, she rescued him as a companion for her father. Following his death four years ago, Brinkley became Tracey’s faithful friend. Now he curls upon the hospice-gifted quilt that once draped her in the hospital, rolling across it as if to come closer to her.

Her friends extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Baptist Health Floyd, as well as Hosparus Health Southern Indiana, for their compassionate care.

A celebration of Tracey’s life will be held at First Southern Baptist Church of Clarksville’s Family Life Center, 215 E. Ettels Lane, Clarksville, Indiana, on Saturday, October 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome.

In remembrance of Tracey, donations may be made to:

·       The VBS Fund at First Southern Baptist Church of Clarksville: www.firstbaptistclarksville.org/give-2/

·       Animal Protection Association: www.apa-pets.org/waystogive/

·       Hosparus Health Southern Indiana: www.hosparushealth.org/donate/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tracey Lynn Coke, please visit our floral store.