Obituary of Tracey Smith Oswald

Tracey Smith Oswald, 52, of West Columbia, entered into the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, July 20, 2018, where she is now at peace, pain free, safe and protected after many years of suffering from the manifestations and stigma associated with Bipolar Disorder.

Tracey was born in Columbia, SC to Annie Dennis Smith and Richard Smith on August 18, 1965. In addition to her parents, she is survived by a son, Nicholas Oswald, a brother, Michael Smith (Gayle); two nieces, Kristen and Katie Smith; one nephew, David Smith; and three cousins, Earl Lavender, Sharon Fairleigh (Mark) and Stacy Furr (Rob).

Tracey was a graduate of Airport High School, and later went onto receive a Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Carolina, and a Master's Degree in Conflict Resolution from Columbia College. She was a social worker for DSS in Columbia, SC, Spartanburg, SC and Athens, GA. Tracey was very involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and held a seat on the board of the directors for NAMI Mid-Carolina. She facilitated family support groups and taught “Breaking the Silence", an outreach program educating children in the public school system about mental illness.

She loved all sports, and played volleyball and softball in high school. Later in life, she spent a short time umpiring little league baseball. Tracey was a big fan of USC baseball and football, as well as professional football, and loved to cheer on the Dallas Cowboys.

Those who knew Tracey could easily attest that she was a kind, giving and spiritual soul. She will be deeply missed by all who have loved her.

A memorial service will be conducted by Rev. Dow Welsh at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, August 5 2018 at Holland Avenue Baptist Church, 801 Twelfth Street, Cayce, SC, 29033. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church from 1:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Health at: NAMI SC, P.O. Box 1267, Columbia, SC, 29201.

The family would like to thank the staff of the ER, and the ICU Department at Palmetto Health Richland for their compassionate care.