Kayla's Story

A Life Lived in Love, Light & Song

Her Beginnings

Kayla Ross was born on May 9, 1991, the youngest of three children born to the union of Bernard and Edana Perry. Her two siblings are Taelor Necolle and Christian Bernard. At the age of eleven, Kayla was diagnosed with Juvenile-Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME), triggered by lack of sleep.

Kayla and her family were set on ensuring that her life was not defined by the disease. Her story is far more than that of a fight against epilepsy. Kayla's story — her song — is about love, faith, immeasurable strength, resilience, and defiance. Kayla's song is a song of "in spite of" and no!

Her Gifts

Growing up, Kayla sang in the children’s choir, she danced, tumbled, and played soccer. Kayla was an active member of the youth and young adult ministry at her church, there she also soared with the dance ministry, was a member of the Impact Teen Praise Team and sang in the Jr. Voices of Calvary youth choir. Kayla sang in the Washington Performing Arts - Children of the Gospel choir where she had the opportunity to sing with the choir for President Obama in 2009. Kayla was a singer, her whole life was a song.

Kayla’s love for music and her beautiful voice was one of the divine seeds planted within her being. Her voice was inspired by the music she loved; jazz, r&b, neo-soul, and gospel. She saw the world through music, from the melodies of soul to the rhythm of gogo, top 40, dance and trap music.

The Woman She Became

As a young woman, Kayla graduated from Montgomery College with her Associate's Degree. In March of 2017, she landed a position with HCD International as a Community Outreach Representative. She soon emerged as a leader among her colleagues, all while pursuing a certification in project management.

Kayla was stubborn — she was committed to living life on her terms, even if that meant bumping heads with the people she loved the most, her family. Kayla loved her family with everything in her.

On July 6, 2017, at the vibrant age of 26 years old, Kayla passed away suddenly from complications associated with Epilepsy — SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death from Epilepsy). Her transition has been difficult for her family, friends, and village. Kayla touched many lives, and her family has decided to celebrate her life, pay it forward, and give back to the community

Her Legacy

The KRP Memorial Scholarship was established at Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church in 2017 to honor the life and legacy of Kayla Ross Perry and to provide funding for college students who pursue the creative arts. In August 2018, the first scholarship was awarded to Darin Bess. In July 2019, the next scholarship was awarded to Joelle Green.

Kayla's parents felt the need to transform their mourning to mission — to make a bigger impact on the community and increase awareness of Epilepsy and SUDEP. In July 2019, the Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Foundation was birthed.

Because of community support, thousands of dollars have been distributed to college students, seizure first aid education provided, and wellness events sponsored on an annual basis.

Join the KRPMF community as we inspire hope, empower future leaders through scholarships, and raise awareness that can save lives.

Her Light. Their Future. Her Legacy.