Tracie Marie Lewis-Shiles, also known as “Yaya,” died on February 1, 2025, at the age of 60. She was born on June 18, 1964, in Newburgh, New York, to the late Berenice Lewis and Andrew Byrd.
She accepted Christ at a young age under the guidance of Elder Bryant at Soul Saving Station Church in Newburgh, New York. During this time, she earned her degree from SUNY New Paltz.
She is survived by two nephews, Lonze Byrd and Andre Byrd, whom she raised as sons, and seven grandchildren. She also leaves behind ten siblings: Troy H. Lewis of New York; Pamela Johnson of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Andre Byrd of Greensboro, Alabama; Lisa Byrd of New York; Cory Byrd of New York; Elee Newkirk of New York; Brenda Washington of Arizona; Troy Lewis of Connecticut; Roxanne Lewis of New York; and Jody Jackson of Oklahoma. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Tracie was deeply committed to her faith and community. She was an active member and Sunday School teacher, beloved by her students. She followed her passion for service, gaining an adopted family in the Kingdom of God through the ministry of Associate Pastor Victor Robertson, a man of God she followed through the Voice of Truth ministry for 17 years. She was known for her unwavering love and dedication, and she often shared her personal motto: “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Byrd and Berenice Lewis; her grandparents, Everette and Marion Lewis; her sibling, John Brock; her nephew, Thomas Pugh Jr.; and her great-nephew, Raquan Davis.
