KEELY LAVELLA THOMPSON

Purchase Products for Deceased

Obituary

Keely Lavella Thompson, 60, of Clairton, Pennsylvania, peacefully transitioned from this life on April 6, 2025, at Brighton Rehabilitation & Wellness Center in Beaver, PA. Born on July 20, 1964, in McKeesport, PA, she was the beloved daughter of the late L.D. Gissendanner and Regina Helen Thompson.

Keely was a vibrant and energetic child whose warmth and joyful spirit lit up every room she entered. She was known for her sociable nature, quick wit, and grounded personality. A proud graduate of Clairton High School, Class of 1982, Keely excelled academically, graduating with honors.

Her passion for serving others led her into the medical field, beginning her career in the medical records department at Health America. She later joined UPMC, where she dedicated over three decades of compassionate service. Keely spent ten years at the Ear, Nose, and Throat department before accepting a promotion as Patient Coordinator at Western Psychiatric Hospital, where she faithfully served for 21 years. Her heart was deeply committed to helping those facing some of life’s most difficult challenges: substance abuse, domestic violence, and terminal illness. In addition to her full-time work, she selflessly extended her care by working part-time in shelters and as a caregiver, all while continuing her education.

Driven by a profound desire to make an even greater impact, Keely earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with honors from the University of Pittsburgh. She was actively pursuing her Master of Social Work at Chatham University when her health began to decline. Her unwavering dedication to helping others remains a testament to her character and calling.

In her private time, Keely loved to be active. She enjoyed working out, traveling, and attending various events such as concerts and the symphony. She was also an avid supporter of local celebrations and festivals in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. A huge movie buff. One of her favorite things to do while watching something was to talk over a scene, miss a line, then have to rewind it a few times!!

Above all, Keely loved the Lord. She was baptized on April 14, 1974, under the leadership of Rev. Rosamond C. Kay and became a devoted member of Morning Star Baptist Church. She served faithfully on the Senior Usher Board and was the Chairperson of the Kitchen Committee for many years, where her spirit of hospitality and joy could be felt by all who served alongside her.

Keely was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Darrell Gissendanner, Terry Gissendanner, and Shawn Thompson.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Tonee D. Green of Atlanta, GA; her uncle, K.T. Gissendanner of Clairton, PA; her aunt, Lucille Young of Pittsburgh, PA; her sister, Cecelia Stewart of Baltimore, MD; five brothers: Arthur Young and William Smith, both of Pittsburgh, PA; Tyrone Gissendanner of Chicago, IL; Paul Thompson of Clairton, PA; and Maurice Gissendanner of Orlando, Florida. Keely held a special bond with her nieces and nephews, particularly Johara Griffin, Jessie Young, and Raquan Young, all of Pittsburgh, PA. She also shared a cherished relationship with her godchildren: Kenyatta Braswell, Santino East, JaVoni East, Shaina East, Breana East, Joshua East, Taylor East, and Roman East, all of North Carolina. She will also be lovingly remembered by a host of additional nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, her church family, coworkers, and dear friends.

Keely’s life was one of purpose, grace, and service. Her legacy of compassion, strength, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.