Tracey A. Vernon, 61, of Huntingtown, MD, and Melbourne Beach, FL, passed away on January 4, 2026 at the Hospice of Charles County in Waldorf, MD. She was born on February 19, 1964, at Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly, MD, to Ruth and Donald Louie Griffin. Tracy grew up in Beltsville, MD, and attended High Point High School. She graduated in 1982 and went on to earn her undergraduate degree at University of Maryland in College Park. She then completed her master’s degree while teaching for Calvert County Public Schools. Tracey was a dedicated teacher of 32 years and devoted follower of Christ. She was an incredibly talented artist and had many of her works displayed at the Artworks at 7th gallery in North Beach. She loved the ocean, relaxing on the beach, fishing, and boating with her family.
Tracey is survived by her beloved husband Charles “Chip” Vernon; daughter Lindsey Parra, and son Charles “CJ” Vernon, Daughter-in-laws Marina Vernon and Amanda Parra; grandchildren Mateo Vernon, and Isaiah Parra; mother Ruth Walker; sister Vicki Sharp, brother Donald Griffin, and-in-laws James Sharp, Karen Griffin and Michael and Maureen Vernon. She was preceded in death by her father Donald Louie Griffin.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or Hospice of the Chesapeake.
A Mass to honor Tracey will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church in North Beach, MD. The mass will be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the North Beach Fire Hall. The Celebration of Life will be an informal event and people are welcome to come and go as they please. There will be an opportunity for a quiet moment of remembrance to pay your respects as well as a less formal celebration to include hors d’oeuvres, music, and beverages of all kinds. For those so inclined, you are encouraged to offer a brief anecdote or personal story about your time with Tracey. The Celebration will be an uplifting opportunity to reminisce in the joy she brought to so many people’s lives.
Service
January 16, 2026 2:30 p.m.
St. Anthony Catholic Church
8816 Chesapeake Ave.
North Beach, MD 20714
Celebration of Life
January 16, 2026, directly following mass
North Beach Fire Hall
8536 Bayside Road
Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
Rhonda Butler
January 17 – Obituary: Tracey A. Vernon
Tracey and I worked at Plum Point Elementary together for many years. The students loved her so much. Just yesterday I ran into Sophia working at Panara and she reminded me of a picture she and Hanna painted for Mrs. Vernon of the beach. She would come to my house and paint in the beginning of her amazing time as an artist. I was so amazed by her work. I would always tease her and say that she was trying to take my job. PPES will always love Mrs. Vernon.
Mark Sanders
January 15 – Obituary: Tracey A. Vernon
Some of our fondest memories of sharing time with Tracey and Chip began more than 30 years ago during our long weekend trips with the Natural Resources Police softball team. While our wives seemed to tolerate the sweltering heat and humidity normally accompanying these events, we were all able to enjoy time off the field at the beach, the pool and our favorite evening gathering spots. Terri and I came to know Tracey as such a wonderful, sweet and kind soul. Our close relationship has carried on throughout the years. We knew Tracey as a devoted wife and mother and were very aware of her fidelity to her Lord and savior, Christ Jesus. We discussed the faith that would anchor her in her final months and were amazed by her tremendous love, willpower, and strength. We remain in awe of her resilience and dedication to her family. In the book of Luke “All things are possible for those who believe” Jesus replied. “What is impossible with man is possible with God”. As she prepared for her journey home we know when she closed her eyes for the last time on this earth, she would open them in the presence of the Lord, forever.
Just as the caterpillar sensed the end was near………only then could it become the butterfly.
Ed Johnson
January 12 – Obituary: Tracey A. Vernon
Chip, I’m very sorry to hear of your wife, Tracey’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with heavy hearts, seeking Your comfort and peace for the family and friends of Tracey. In this time of deep sorrow, we ask that You wrap them in Your loving arms and grant them strength as they navigate this painful journey.
Lord, please remind them that Tracey is now in Your presence, free from pain and suffering, embraced by Your eternal love. May they find solace in knowing that she is safe in the place You have prepared for her, where joy and peace abound and where one day they will be reunited with her.
Guide them through their grief, Lord, and help them to lean on one another for support, holding close the beautiful memories they created together. May Your light shine upon them, bringing hope and healing in the days to come.
In Your name, we pray,
Amen.
Barbara Roller
January 10 – Obituary: Tracey A. Vernon
I had the pleasure and privilege of teaching alongside Tracey for many years at Plum Point Elementary. I have a funny memory of the two of us the first year that I joined the fifth grade team. It was a crazy year, we had a huge fifth grade class with seven teachers. Tracey and I had a motto we used to say every morning before the kids came in. It came from the song by Guns N-Roses, Welcome to the Jungle. Some days we would even play the song and dance around to get ourselves ready for the day, and we definitely had our “fun and games”. Every time I hear that song, I always smile and think of Tracey. I am heartbroken that you are gone Tracey and I am holding up your family and friends in prayer. No more “jungle” and no more suffering for you my sweet friend. You are in paradise now looking down on us all. Peace and Love, Barbara
Robin Torsani
January 10 – Obituary: Tracey A. Vernon
Tracey “Mrs. Vernon”was my son’s third grade teacher at Tulip Grove Elementary. She was one of those teachers that you could see how much she really cared about her students , always giving each one her personal attention. You left a legacy Tracey. Heaven has surely gained a very special Angel.
Morris Hedge
January 9 – Obituary: Tracey A. Vernon
I have a personal tradition of imaging the Christmas Tree star cluster as a holiday greeting to all Facebook friends. I was deeply moved and honored when Tracy used my image this past Christmas as her Facebook greeting. I am determined to not miss seeing her again with that magnificent and ever-present smile enhanced by her glorious heavenly presence; and I pray that all who read this join me in that determination by believing and receiving Christ as she did.
Peggy Demedis
January 9 – Obituary: Tracey A. Vernon
I worked with Tracey for many years at Plum Point Elementary. She was an enthusiastic and kind-hearted teacher who touched many lives. Tracey had a creative, generous spirit; she made her corner of the world a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Nassrine Mooney
January 8 – Obituary: Tracey A. Vernon
Mrs Vernon was one of my favorite teachers- always kind and so patient. I loved our random run-ins around Calvert throughout the years. Such a sweet soul. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Rest in paradise Mrs Vernon <3
Donna Tizol
January 7 – Obituary: Tracey A. Vernon
Tracy emulated Saint Bernadette.
St. Bernadette, who suffered many physical illnesses throughout her life, spoke of love as a balm for suffering. She accepted her trials with peace and an eye toward using them to help her grow closer to God:
“One who loves does not notice her trials; or perhaps more accurately, she is able to love them. I shall do everything for Heaven, my true home. There I shall find my Blessed Mother in all the splendor of her glory. I shall delight with her in the joy of Jesus himself in perfect safety.”
This was sweet Tracy. Rest in Peace with Jesus my dear friend.
We provide funeral home & cremation services to all of Calvert, St Mary’s, Anne Arundel & Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bristol, Lothian, Deale, Galesville, North Beach, Dunkirk, Sunderland, Huntingtown, Hughesville, Prince Frederick, Broomes Island, Leonardtown, Hollywood, St Mary’s City and all other surrounding communities.
Copyright © 2026 Rausch Funeral Home
