Vicksburg native Tracy Powell is the kind of person who quietly keeps the world turning for those around her. Whether she’s slicing meat at Brick Street Market, pulling off practical jokes or showing up for a friend in need, Tracy embodies hard work, humor and unwavering kindness. At 49 years old, she’s a mother, grandmother and a friend to many who consider her nothing short of extraordinary.
While Tracy may downplay her own contributions, those who know her best see her as a pillar of support. Heart of Vicksburg’s own Tessa Elizabeth Scandizzo, a close friend, describes her as a “superhero”—someone who never hesitates to show up, help out or bring a smile to someone’s face.
From skepticism to friendship: Tessa’s journey with Tracy
Tessa recalled her first encounter with Tracy was questionable. Before they worked together at Jacques, she felt Tracy was less than accepting. “The first time I met Tracy, I don’t think she liked me very much… I was just one of those people who knew the manager at the bar and was trying to get in… I think she had my number on that…”
It wasn’t until they began working together at Jacques that Tessa saw Tracy’s true character. “Tracy was the kind of person who would bust her hump bartending all night long, have you in clutches the whole crazy shift, then have that entire place looking spotless by the next day. There was nothing that was asked of her that she didn’t accomplish. She doesn’t meet a stranger and she has a huge heart for animals. I’ve known her to give rides to the homeless and spend her last dime making sure an animal is well cared for…” Tessa laughed as she recalled, “At one time she would show up everywhere with a rescued baby raccoon named Roxy on her shoulder. That little raccoon loved her more than anything.”
A master of practical jokes and heartfelt gestures
Tessa shared stories of Tracy’s playful antics, including her famous pranks at the bar and surprise birthday celebrations:
“When it was someone’s birthday, I remember she showed up with all these balloons, like hundreds of balloons, and had this surprise gift bag and everything set up… Any opportunity she had to make someone feel special, she did. She also always somehow has a costume on hand to make a child smile with. I’ve seen her pull a gorilla mask out of thin air and show up to a birthday party in a full Minnie Mouse suit just to make kids happy.” Tessa laughed again, “Anytime you hear Tracy say, ‘hold on a minute, let me go grab something,’ you just know she’s coming back with something hilarious and surprising. Babies can’t help but gravitate to her playful spirit. She’s also the master of pranks.”
“I love classical jokes. There’s not a day that I don’t come in and play something on someone,”
Tracy said with a laugh. Tracy’s humor isn’t just for laughs—it’s a way of lifting others up. “If someone’s down and struggling, I make [it] not seem so bad … I crack a joke or help them in a way that doesn’t make them feel pitied,” she explained.
Tracy Powell is the kind of friend you can always count on
Beyond her humor, Tracy is known for her selfless acts of kindness, a kindness she says is inspired by her significant other, Rocky, her partner for 31 years and the father of her children.
“He doesn’t have a mean thing to say about anyone,” Tracy said with admiration. Tracy stated many around the city depend on him as he is always willing to lend a helping hand. “He’s so giving, more so than I am, honestly. I bring the humor but I get my giving nature from him.”
For Tessa, Tracy’s heart of gold has had a very real impact on her life. “Tracy is a real ride or die friend… she’d come help me clean back when I was tired from working a lot and taking care of my kids at the same time,” Tessa shared. “She would ‘Cinderella the heck’ out of my home when she didn’t have to. She’s been there for me not just once but multiple times out of the love and kindness of her heart. She’s also been an awesome person in my life for my kids.”
Tessa reflected on the unwavering kindness and support of a close friend, sharing a moment that highlighted the depth of her gratitude: “Whether it’s been bringing us food or surprises randomly, or just helping with my babies or making them feel special, we all just love her… Once when I was recovering in postpartum and had no support, Tracy showed up and took my babies out to eat and have fun so I could rest. I didn’t even ask, she just did it. Words aren’t enough to express how much that kind of love can heal a person. I’ve witnessed her being that kind of person to everyone she cares about.”
Tracy Powell – A behind-the-scenes superhero
“I’ve had the pleasure of jumping with joy in the workplace upon her entry, just knowing she was going to make the night fun- to also watching her grow and blossom and overcome so many personal obstacles,” Tessa added. “Tracy’s spirit never wavers. She is dependably positive and consistently strong. She’s loyal and loving, genuine and pure. We don’t work together anymore, but I still look forward to seeing her walk into a room because I just love to talk to her and hear that signature laugh. There is nobody on Earth like Tracy and she just makes the world a better place by being in it. I’m so proud of all she has accomplished and I’m proud to be her friend.”
For Tracy, helping others seems to come naturally. “You wouldn’t know just how much one woman accomplishes and what the world would be missing if she wasn’t a part of it,” Tessa reflected. “To me, she’s my superhero and I am not sure if she knows that. They don’t make people like that anymore.”
Tracy Powell may think of herself as the “sense of humor” in her family, but to those who know her, she’s much more: a loyal friend, a loving mother and grandmother, a jokester and—most of all—a superhero.
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