Harding students, faculty, staff and family are mourningjuniorKailey Masseyafter she died in a car accidenton her way back to Harding on Jan. 11.
Harding hosted two events in her honor: a student-led candlelight vigil on Monday, Jan. 13 and a chapel memorial service on Wednesday, Jan. 15.Additionally, Massey’s social club, Delta Nu, and her Harding in Zambia group both gathered topray, sing,remember and grieve.
Massey, who was previously a nursing majorand had recently switched to communication sciences and disorders, told others she was interested inusing her field of study as mission. Jeremy Daggett, field director of the semester-long HIZ program, said he saw Massey’s ability to help others, serve and learn during her time in Zambia.
”ThisNorth American girl from Houston, Texas somehow was able to come into the fullness of her being and her character all the way on the other side ofthe world,” Daggett said.
Daggett said Massey often spent time working the nightshift at an orphanage in Zambiacalled The Haven. He said shewas among the most dedicated to spending nights at The Haven.
“(She was) tireless about getting as much out of this learning experience and (tireless about) serving as much as she could,” Daggett said.”She inspired others to do that, as well.”
Junior Colleen Crowder, one of Massey’s club sisters, first met Massey when they attended honor’s symposium together.
Crowder said most people knew Massey’s sweet, soft-spoken side, but not as many knew how funny, personable and uplifting shecould be.
”She was your ideal Harding student,” Crowder said. “If you could go through your Harding experience without ever an unkind word being spoken about you, that says a lot about your character.”
Massey’s funeral is at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16 at theBammelChurch of Christ in Houston, Texas. Massey’s HIZ group plansto attend her funeral. Daggett said Massey’s family specifically asked for the group to sing and to share memories from that period in Massey’s life.
Massey’s family asked that,in lieu offlowers, donationsbesent to The Haven orphanage in Zambia.
