POUND, VA – My name is Tracy Leigh Short Hylton and I was killed by metastatic colon cancer. I did not die as a result of it, succumb to it, pass after a valiant fight against it … I was killed by it on May 4, 2026. However before this, I lived, loved, healed people, and I believe left this world a better place for having been in it.

I was born on April 5, 1969 to Danny and jean Short. After our parents separated when we were little girls, my sister, Janie and I were blessed by more siblings when our father married Jackie and had April and Bradley, and our mom married Thomas Sparks, Sr., giving us Thomas, "my" first baby.

I always wanted to be a mom and my children – and their children – have been the loves of my life.

Jordan Mullins and his wife Erica, and children, Isaiah, Madison, Gavin and Cameron. Because of Madison and Ian, I was able to be a great-grandmother to their baby, Bryer.

Emily Meade and her husband, Dylan, and their children Kyler, Beckham, Asher and Maizey.

Peyton Wells and his wife, Taylor.

Brendan Kern and his wife Brittany, and children, Rose and Lily.

And the youngest, Nolan Hylton and Caliope Hylton who this disease robbed the most because of the milestones I will not be able to share with them. But I know I leave them in the strong, capable hands of their dad, Travis Hylton, who has been there for all of the kids, grandchildren, and our whole family – taking all of as his own as if he had always been there – and loving and honoring me the way I deserved.

After 30 years of healing others as a nurse, I have no way to heal the heartbreak I know this loss brings to my loved ones, including "Mammy" Tammy and Randy Rose, Sharon and Leah, who helped raise this incredible brood of people and always practicing unconditional love. Or my friends Gava Strong and Helen Jones. Or the aunts, uncles cousins … blood related or not.

Mom and Thomas, I hope you are ready to show me around.

I love all of you BIG, am so proud of you, and being yours was the joy of my life.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 7:00 pm Friday May 8, 2026 in the Baker Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Mike Porter  officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until time of services.

Baker Funeral Home-Pound, VA is serving the family of Tracy Leigh Short Hylton.