Synquavia Keyona Staples Obituary, Death – Jacksonville State Nursing Student Remembered
The Jacksonville State University community is mourning the passing of Synquavia Keyona “KeKe” Staples, an upperclassman from Roanoke and nursing student whose kindness, compassion and dedication to caring for others left a lasting impression on classmates, instructors, friends and faculty.
Synquavia passed away Sunday, leaving the Jax State community grieving the loss of a student who was deeply committed to her education and her goal of becoming a nurse. Her death has brought sadness across the university as those who knew her reflect on the warmth, generosity and determination she brought to her relationships and academic journey.
Remembering Synquavia “KeKe” Staples
KeKe was pursuing her nursing education through Jacksonville State University’s College of Health Professions and Wellness. Earlier this fall, she reached an important milestone when she received her white coat during the college’s White Coat Ceremony, marking another step toward the healthcare career she had worked toward.
Faculty members remembered KeKe as a student who approached nursing with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to learn. Dr. Betsy Gulledge, Chief Nursing Administrator and Associate Dean of the College of Health Professions and Wellness, described her as kind, compassionate and trustworthy, qualities that made a lasting impression on those who taught her.
Her clinical instructors also remembered her willingness to assist classmates and her eagerness to take advantage of opportunities to build new skills and gain practical experience. Her approach to nursing education reflected both her dedication to the profession and her concern for the people around her.
A Passion for Nursing and Helping Others
KeKe’s commitment to nursing was evident throughout her education and clinical experiences. She was described as someone who embraced opportunities to learn while consistently demonstrating compassion toward others.
For the faculty members who watched her progress, those qualities made her future in healthcare especially meaningful. They saw in her the potential to become an exceptional nurse and someone who could make a positive difference in the lives of patients.
Her resident assistant and friend, Julian Hooks, also remembered KeKe for the kindness she showed to others. He described her as a beautiful soul who was dedicated to becoming an outstanding nurse and caring for people.
Her passing represents the loss of a student, friend and young woman whose future in healthcare had been filled with promise. For those who shared classrooms, clinical experiences and everyday moments with her, her absence will be deeply felt.
Funeral and Visitation Arrangements
Visitation for Synquavia Keyona “KeKe” Staples is scheduled for Friday, October 2, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home Chapel in LaFayette.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Roanoke. Burial will follow at Skyview Memorial Gardens in Five Points.
Jacksonville State University has also made counseling resources available to students, faculty and staff members affected by KeKe’s passing.
The cause of Synquavia Staples’ death was not provided in the university’s memorial announcement, and no speculation has been made regarding the circumstances of her passing.
As her family, friends, classmates, instructors and the wider Jax State community mourn, KeKe will be remembered for her smile, generosity, willingness to help others and dedication to becoming a nurse.
Although her time at Jacksonville State was cut short, the impression she made on the people around her will continue to be remembered. Her compassion toward classmates, enthusiasm for nursing and kindness to others remain an important part of the legacy she leaves behind.