ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — A Winthrop University student known as a healthcare management “rock star” with a “beautiful soul” has passed away.
Gabrielle (Gabby) Kelly, 21, a rising senior business administration major with a focus in healthcare management from Aiken, South Carolina, died June 30.
In a campus-wide e-mail, Interim President George Hynd and Vice President for Student Affairs Shelia Burkhalter shared what Kelly meant to the Winthrop community. “She has left an indelible impression upon the Winthrop University community. Our thoughts are with her family and friends, and each of you,” the two stated.
Kelly was an active student who participated on the Student Alumni Council and was a member of the Vision of Prayze gospel choir. She also was an outstanding student who was included on the College of Business Administration’s Dean’s list.
One of Kelly’s professors, Joanna Jackson, an assistant professor of healthcare management, described her as a healthcare management “rock star,” who was warm, kind, and always a pleasure to have in class.
Another of Kelly’s professors, Michael Matthews, professor of management and director of healthcare management, described her as a “beautiful soul” with a smile that would light up the room. Matthews shared that Kelly was an excellent student and had a passion for helping others, particularly the elderly. She was fulfilling this passion through an internship at The Charlotte Assisted Living and Memory Care in Pineville, North Carolina, and had agreed to work with the company full time.
Kelly’s internship site supervisor, Leslie Workman, described her as a “ray of sunshine” who graced their doors every morning excited to greet members of the team and their residents.
Student and Young Alumni Program Coordinator, Shayna Foxworth, described Gabby as a “constant spark of joy” who was always happy and willing to help. She stated even if you didn’t know Gabby well, she made you feel like a friend whom you’d known for years.
The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at Greater Faith Ministries Dream Center, 150 Charles St., Barnwell, SC, 29812. Interment will follow directly after at All Cemetery, Allendale, SC. The Kelly family has requested the wearing of masks at all times.
For those wishing to send flowers, arrangements are being managed by B.F. Cave Funeral Home, 1521 Razor Rd. Allendale, SC, 29810. Their phone number is 803/584-3110.
Condolences can be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kelly, Jr. and family at 1330 Aldrich St. NE, Aiken, SC, 29801.
