Dear Students,
It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Emily “Mily” Ho of Hixson, Tennessee. Mily passed away April 29, 2025. She was a junior pursuing mass communication and a beloved member of Winthrop eSports, where she served on the award-winning Social Media and Content Team.
Mily was the cherished daughter of Misty and Chan Ho of Hixson, near Chattanooga, and a devoted big sister to Alysha and Jacquelin. Known for her bright spirit, kindness, and willingness to help others, Mily brought joy and energy into every space she entered. Those who knew her described her as vibrant, funny, and full of life. Jerry Fussell of student affairs shared, “Mily always had a kind smile, high energy, and would go out of her way to yell, ‘Hi, Jerry!’”
Her teammates and professors remember her as a deeply compassionate person who consistently looked out for others. Esports Head Coach Josh Sides said, "Mily was an incredible person and a valued and loved member of our Winthrop Esports family. She was talented, creative, and always there to help those in need. I know we will all miss her deeply." Teammate Kaya Singh remembers Mily as "having the gift of making people feel welcome, and (she) made all new students in the program feel at home." Kaya fondly recalled that when Mily learned she didn’t have anyone to help her move because her parents were in India, Mily dropped everything to help. “She even went back to her own apartment to get cleaning supplies,” Kaya said.
Dr. Bill Schulte, one of Mily’s professors, described her as “very sweet, very funny, and so vibrant.” Dr. Nathaniel Frederick, her advisor and professor, remembered her as “such a nice student, and I enjoyed having her in class and as an advisee.”
The viewing and services will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 TN-153, Hixson, TN 37343, on Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The loss of a student is always difficult and deeply impacts our community. Students in need of grief support may access counseling and support services through the Center for Student Wellness.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Mily’s family, friends, classmates, and all who were fortunate to know her. Her vibrant presence and ready smile will be missed.
Sincerely,
Edward Serna
President, Winthrop University
Shelia Higgs Burkhalter
Vice President for Student Affairs
