Things to Do
Things to Do

Police officer assists dying woman with final wish to visit Jersey Shore

ajc.com

Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

By Joy Johnston
March 10, 2017

When asked by her family if she had any final wishes, a terminally ill woman in New Jersey said she wanted to go to the shore one last time.

Patricia Kelly, 78, called the Jersey Shore her place, having spent countless summers there, according to NJ.com.

Explore>> Need something to lift your spirits? Read more uplifting news  

Her family wanted to honor her wish, but knew Kelly wouldn't be able to access the beach on her own. A family member reached out to the Ship Bottom Police Department, and Officer Ronald Holloway volunteered his services.

On Saturday, Holloway drove Kelly and her family to the water's edge, where the family took photos of the special moment. The group also participated in a prayer circle.

Kelly was ecstatic that she was able to bid a final farewell to the Jersey Shore. Her family thanked Holloway and the Ship Bottom Police Department for their kind assistance.

About the Author

Joy Johnston
More Stories

Keep Reading

Blooper celebrates the Atlanta Brave’s 5-0 win over the New York Mets during a MLB game Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Truist Park. This year, the venue is a first-time host of the MLB All-Star game. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado for the AJC

Coming to Atlanta for MLB All-Star week? There’s fun outside Truist Park too.

Events happening around the city include the Capital One All-Star Village, MLB draft watch party and the All-Star 4.4 Miler.

Saddle up for these Beyoncé-themed pop-up bars, brunches and shows in Atlanta

Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour is coming to Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium for shows Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday.

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

From MLB All-Star Game festivities and a WWE Saturday Night Main Event to Run Santa Run and Goat Yoga, here are 15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend.

The Latest

Strike a yoga pose with a friendly dwarf goat at the Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center on Saturday. (Courtesy of the Gwinnett County Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Credit: Photo courtesy of Gwinnett County Convention and Visitors Bureau

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Between Beyoncé shows, Atlanta’s creatives take the stage

Saddle up for these Beyoncé-themed pop-up bars, brunches and shows in Atlanta

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia disability rights advocates fear weakening of U.S. accessibility law

Advocates worry the Department of Energy’s move could be the start of a broader effort by other federal agencies to roll back civil rights rules.

From boycott to ballgame: Baseball’s political All-Star Game saga returns to Georgia

MLB pulled the 2021 All-Star Game from Georgia over the state's voting law, Senate Bill 202. Now it’s back — and Republicans say the return proves they were right all along.

OPINION

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour pushes fans outside the norm

Preparations for the show pushed people out of their comfort zones — into new stores, new communities, a new style of dress, and in some cases, to visit new cities.