Amy Elizabeth Kelly was born in 1967 to Johnie and Bettye Kelly. Her entire life was spent in the Walltown Community of Durham, North Carolina.
As a young child she was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia which prevented her from attending school on a regular basis. But she had a passion for learning and, during her absences from school, Amy spent many hours with her great-grandmother. She witnessed her grandmother’s love for others and her desire to improve her community.
Undaunted by her illness, Amy completed Durham Public Schools and enrolled in Durham Tech. Unfortunately, on February 29, 1988, at the age of 20, Amy lost her battle with Sickle Cell Anemia.
Despite years of sickness, Amy had a genuine interest in helping others succeed in school. Her other passion– which neighbors can attest to– was driving a red sports car around the streets of Walltown!
In honor of Amy’s vivacious spirit and her passion for learning and her helpful service to others, her parents, Johnie and Bettye– both graduates from NC College at Durham (now NC Central University) — have established the Amy E. Kelly Education Foundation.