Suffolk, VA, December 20, 2024 — The Suffolk Foundation is excited to announce the inception of a new scholarship to benefit students from Suffolk, created in memory of Kay Gillette and Greg Gillette.
Kay Gillette was a pillar of the community. Known especially for her musical talent, Kay enriched Suffolk Christian Church and Oakland Christian Church with her remarkable piano skills — Kay could play just about any tune by ear. She was a math teacher with Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and the Suffolk Public Schools, she participated in book clubs, and she had a particular passion for the game of golf, serving as president of the Cedar Point Ladies Golf Association and as a member of the Suffolk Ladies Golf Association and Tidewater Ladies Golf Association.
Although it’s been 20 years since her passing, Kay is remembered as lovingly as ever by her husband of 40 years, Robert (“Bob”) Gillette, and by her daughters, Jennifer and Janet. Her daughter Jennifer Miller told us that “her spirit and enthusiasm for life will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.”
According to Bob, mother and son were similar. “Greg was like Kay in many ways. Like his two sisters, he had determination and perseverance. He also practiced forgiveness.”
Born in 1970, Greg grew up in Suffolk and attended Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. Throughout his childhood, he participated in soccer, baseball, basketball, and football, as a dedicated athlete at both his school and with the Suffolk Youth Athletic Association.
Greg attended Elon University, where he received a degree in integrative nutrition. He went on to counsel others on healthy eating with his own business, Primal Radiance in Denver, Colorado. He impacted many as a nutritionist and health coach. In addition to sports, he found himself outdoors enjoying nature. But he passed away all too young, on February 2, 2018, after battling cancer.
Bob was inspired to start the Kay Gillette and Greg Gillette Scholarship not only to remember his wife and his son, but also to pay forward the help that was given to him as a student. The recipient of a full scholarship at Randolph-Macon College, Bob understands that one act of generosity can change a life. Asked about his purpose in life, Bob replied, simply, “It’s to help people.”
The Kay Gillette and Greg Gillette Scholarship will focus on students from Suffolk with financial need. To remember its namesake, the scholarship may also give special preference to students who study music (like Kay) and/or play soccer (like Greg).
While the family has made a multi-year pledge to start this new scholarship, the entire community is invited to give in Kay’s memory and Greg’s memory. Donations may be made online (www.suffolkfoundation.org/donate) or by contacting the Suffolk Foundation at 757-923-9090.
