Traci A. Presley, age 56, of Little Rock passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
She was born on November 26, 1961 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and continued on to receive her Bachelors of Arts –Theatre Arts Degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1996.
She went on to teach Dance at Horace Mann Arts and Sciences Magnet Middle School in Little Rock, Arkansas for 27 years and later at Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School for 3 years. During the same period she taught dance at Shuffles and Ballet II studio for over 30 years and performed as a professional dancer with Ballet Arkansas for a portion of those years. Later, she doubled as Choreographer and Costumer for the annual Ballet Arkansas presentation of The Nutcracker.
Needless to say she was dedicated to her craft, loved her profession and her students, and influenced and inspired several generations of young lives. She was strong, fearless, compassionate and caring and will be greatly missed by many.
Traci is survived by her loving husband Dave Tackett, and her 3 daughters Emma Presley, Analise Presley and Lily Presley, as well as stepdaughter Haylee Tackett and stepson Tyler Tackett; her brothers John Presley (Amy); Paul Presley; sister Michelle Alley (Jody) and many other extended family members, friends, students and fellow teachers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John O. Presley and Margaret A. Hufford-Presley and brother Fred Richard Presley.
A celebration of life services will be held on Thursday, December 28th at Shuffles Studio from 6-8 pm.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted with A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400.
20 Comments
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Much love and prayers to you all.
I had the honor of working with Traci, at Mann and admired her positive attitude, love of her family and dedication to her students. She will be missed by hundreds who she touched in very positive ways.
Traci even though it has been about 15 years since we last saw one another…. it only feels like yesterday! Go Patriots, Class of 1980, will truly miss you!!!!
Karen and I are extremely blessed to have known Traci, as a neighbor and friend. We will miss her, and our thoughts and prayers to her family for their loss.
Dave, I read the obit in paper, so sorry for your loss, may God lift you up and help you through this time of grief. YITB
Traci was a wonderful person and I know the legacy she will leave behind. My prayers for you and your family.
Dear David, Emma, Analise, and Lily,
I tried to to speak last night, but got tearful and couldn’t get the words out. Ms. Traci meant so much to our family as our daughters’ dance instructor at Shuffles. When someone loves your children, they become a very special part of your heart as well. Thank you for sharing her wonderful life and beautiful spirit with all of us. You are all very loved.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Traci was a true friend to me in high school. A salt of the earth, true blue friend. I know she will be missed by so many. I am touched by her story, her life choices, her passion for dance and her strength and love in adopting her 3 girls. Much love to those left behind.
Gretchen thank you. Very nice comment. She was a great lady. Happy new year and I hope you are well
With deepest sympathy for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dave, your co-workers are greatly saddened and thinking of you. We knew Traci through you and recognize the tremendous loss of this beautiful life.
Dear Traci we will miss you so very at Parkview. May God bless you and your family. Peace be with you.
Love and hugs to all the family!
Traci will continue to be a part of so many lives. During our time together at Mann she was a friend, mentor, and roll model. I am so sorry for your loss. I lift her family up in prayer and hope that you all find the strength you need. She was so special.
Dave, Sharing a week here in Maryland with you and Traci gave us the opportunity to spend time with the most beautiful lady we’ve ever met. Many times after her visit here we were able to share the wonderful times you were together via conversations with you and via Facebook. We were so proud to have her as a daughter in law. We are so glad she was part of your life and so sorry your time with her was shortened. You are in our thoughts and in our hearts and we will see you soon. Love, Dad and Martie
We will sorely miss our long time coworker, teacher, and friend. Love and prayers to Traci’s family, especially Dave and her beautiful daughters.
Prayers for Traci’s family, dance family and friends. She was a very dedicated lady, she will truly be missed.
It was a privilege to have Ms. Presley as a dance teacher back in the 8th grade (1999). She was always full of life and I couldn’t WAIT to go to her class to dance. She will be missed and she will ALWAYS be loved!
Dave, So sorry to for your loss. Praying for you and the rest of her family
I had the privilege of becoming Traci’a childhood friend when she would visit her Aunt Nellie at the farm outside of Stuttgart. We had such great times together! And we maintained that friendship for years. We just kind of lost tpuch after Aunt Nellie passed away. Bit i adored her! Traci was one of the warmest, sweetest, most loving, most real and down to earth people I’ve ever known. Dave, I am so thankful you two found each other. And I am so thankful for the years God gave me Traci’s friendship. She was a very special light. And I know that I will see her again One Day.
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