Tracey-Acadia Thomas was born on July 18, 1976, in Scarborough, Ontario and endured a rough childhood which resulted in Tracey being on her own at age 13. Despite those challenges and living alone, Tracey went on to graduate high school. During those years, she was part of an original musical group called "Stage Kids," performing along with various stars from the Toronto, Ontario-based hit TV show "Degrassi Junior High" from 1990-1994. Two years later she went on to study Fine Arts at York University, working towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classical Voice/Performance and Musical Theatre.

Tracey used her voice everywhere, singing in church choirs, as a backup singer, and as a worship leader. She also sang as part of the Encounter Band on the show "Encounter with Peter Youngren," on Grace TV. She had her voice featured on many recording projects including “Alive In Me,” an award-winning record having won the GMA Covenant award for “Gospel Song of the Year” in 2007 for the song “Because of You.”

Tracey-Acadia Thomas and husband Alister Thomas at the ByBlacks 5th Anniversary event in 2018

Anyone who knew Tracey, knew her as a devoted Christian. She created and lead a women’s ministry called "Soulful Woman," geared to encourage and inspire women in their journey with Christ. All while battling anxiety and depression, she became the founder and owner of Faith Filled Books, and the founder, publisher and Editor-in-Chief of 7x Award Winning Soulful Image Magazine. Together with her husband Alister Thomas, Tracey was also the co-owner of Fareal Custom Tees Shop.

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While accepting the 2016 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women award, Tracey said, “Never allow your circumstances to dictate your place in life. I grew up in a very dysfunctional environment and was forced to leave home at the tender age of thirteen. I had to make it on my own. If I listened to the negative words that were spoken about me, I never would have come this far. I chose God to be my strength and my source. And through His directed hand in my life, I have had the humble opportunity to experience wonderful things.”

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Over one hundred messages were left on her personal Facebook page, showing the deep impact she had on so many people's lives. In a status update Tracey's husband Alister thanked everyone and said, "A long time ago, she had a talk with me telling me that she will have a mission bigger than the mag and she felt confident I can maintain. I had no clue what she meant until now. Tracey's love was needed elsewhere that surpasses our understanding."

Two separate gofundme pages have been launched to raise funds for funeral arrangements and to directly support Tracey's husband and two sons.

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