Born in Arlington, Va., she was a daughter of the late James Anderson and Mildred Dalton Kelley. She was formerly the Associate Director of Housing at Clemson University and previously was also in charge of volunteers at the Greenville Museum of Art. She graduated with highest honors from Clemson University with a B.A. in Psychology.

In spite of a long history of serious health problems of her own, Gemma provided primary care giving for her mother in 2017 and for her father until his death in April. She was also an accomplished writer and had completed four mystery novels and substantial work on a fifth at the time of her death. She felt being a writer was her greatest accomplishment.

Surviving are her sister: Dalton Blankenship and husband Norman of Honea Path. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by a brother: Marty Kelley.

Services will be planned at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com.