Tracy Lynn Vela

Tracy Lynn Vela, 55, of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on November 4, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Services will be held at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard, Waco, Texas. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 7, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with funeral services on Saturday, November 8, at 11:00 a.m.

Tracy was born on August 16, 1970, in Waco, Texas, to Annie Buckingham and Larry Shrum and stepfather Roy Gene Buckingham. She grew up in Waco and attended University High School. Throughout her life, she worked hard and cared deeply for others. She was a waitress at George’s Restaurant, assembled motherboards at McDowell Electric, and most importantly, she was a devoted stay-at-home mother and homemaker.

She married the love of her life, Gilbert Mata Vela, in 1989, and together they built a beautiful family grounded in love, laughter, and togetherness. Tracy was the proud mother of three daughters: Ashly Ann Holloway and husband Chason Holloway, Sarah Marie Ramirez and husband Omar Ramirez, and Stephanie Renee Vela and husband Demetrius Wayne Scott. She was the adored “Nana” to her seven grandchildren, Alaynah Annette Holloway, Chadon “Bubba” Tyler Holloway, Novalie Grace Ramirez, Emre Rayne Ramirez, Jeremiah “JJ” Dotson, Kyra Lynn Dotson, and Demetrius “DJ” Wayne Scott, Jr.

Tracy is also survived by her brother, Larry Shrum, Jr.; stepbrothers, Mark Buckingham and Brad Buckingham; close cousins, Shelia Graham and Billy Graham; niece and nephews, Christine Denton, Larry “Lil Larry” Shrum, Desiree Buckingham-Ramirez, Brad “Lil Brad” Buckingham, Jr., and Shaun Buckingham; and many more family and lifelong friends who loved her dearly.

Known affectionately as “Crazy Tracy,” she was the life of every gathering. Always laughing, dancing, and bringing joy wherever she went. She loved playing board games with family and friends, soaking up the sun by the pool, and taking family trips where she would kick things off with her signature, “Hey Snappers!”. Her big heart and free spirit made everyone feel like family.

Her grandkids were the light of her life. She never turned down a chance to spend time with them. She was a gentle, beautiful extrovert who poured her heart into her family, the biggest heart you’d ever meet.

Tracy’s warmth, humor, and unconditional love will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.