Kelly Michelle Robbins

Kelly Michelle Robbins was born on March 7, 1985, in North Little Rock, AR and departed this life on September 8, 2025. Her loved ones will remember Kelly for her brave spirit, her laugh, and as a caring daughter, devoted sister, and adoring aunt.

From a young age, Kelly sought out adventure, trying ever-more daring backflips and gymnastics moves, scaling bluffs at Shepherd of the Ozarks, excelling in sports - from basketball and soccer to cheerleading and softball - and finishing marathon and triathlon races. Always inquisitive, clever, and passionate about learning, she was drawn to science and medicine. Kelly graduated from Hendrix College with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and went on to work at several research labs, including at UAMS.

She loved escaping into books, music, and films and had a knack for memorizing her favorite lyrics and quotes, including full Shakespearean passages. She also reveled in the outdoors, water skiing behind her grandfather’s boat at Lake Catherine as a kid and plunging into icy winter water at Big Creek as a young adult. Deeply empathetic and with so much love to give, some of Kelly’s greatest joys were cheering on her beloved niece and nephew at the soccer field and hearing them call her “KaKa.” Through life’s struggles, Kelly proved over and over just how fiercely tough and resilient she could be.

She is survived and will be forever missed by her parents, Rex and Sandy Robbins, her sisters Megan Weatherford (Brad) and Mary Robbins, her niece Stella Weatherford, and nephew Weston Weatherford.

Her family would like to thank all those who lifted Kelly up on her difficult journey through this world, as well as the many neighbors and friends who have shown unwavering support and kindness to the Robbins family. A private memorial service for loved ones will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UAMS to honor Kelly’s life: https://giving.uams.edu