Longtime Reston resident and South Lakes High School alumni, Adwoa A. Kessie, Class of ‘99, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 19, after a long battle with COVID-19. A dedicated medical technician and health educator who was passionate about helping people, Adwoa selflessly continued to demonstrate her care and concern for others by serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Friends and family gathered virtually in a Celebration of Adwoa's Life on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Born on July 2, 1980, in Alexandria, Va, to Agnes and Andrew Kessie, Adwoa attended Gwinnett Tech and Everest College to pursue a degree in Respiratory Science and American Sign Language. Her next goal in life was to pass her certification exam and begin practicing in respiratory science.

Adwoa moved to Georgia after graduating from South Lakes High School in Reston. She was a dedicated mother to her three children. Adwoa's love for them was evident in how she tirelessly worked to support her children’s endeavors through the Lawrenceville Youth Association and Central Gwinnett High School family. Her kindness knew no bounds. Her infectious smile could light up a room.

Adwoa was preceded in death by her father, Andrew Kessie and uncle, Yaw Twumasi. She is survived by her daughter, Qui' Andra, 19, sons, Eli, 18, and Jarion, 9, brothers, Benson, Edward and Andrew Jr., sisters, Tina Anaman, Angel, Jacqueline and Francesca, several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and her beloved mom, Agnes Arthur.

A Gofundme account has been set up to support her children at the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/we-love-adwoa. Funds raised through the campaign will help support the children's practical, essential and educational needs.