Who Is Kelly Union? All About The Life of Gabrielle Union’s Sister

Have you ever wondered who stands behind famous people and helps keep their lives balanced? In the case of actress Gabrielle Union, one of those important people is her sister Kelly Union. While Gabrielle is known worldwide for movies and television, Kelly Union has built a meaningful life away from the spotlight. She works in healthcare, supports her family, and plays a key role in the strong Union family bond.

Even though Kelly Union is not a Hollywood star, her story is just as interesting. She is known for her work as a Respiratory Care Clinical Educator, helping train new healthcare professionals. She is also a mother, grandmother, and a trusted support system for her famous sister. So Lets Learn More about her.

Profile Summary: Kelly Union

Her Early Life

Kelly Union was born around 1970 or 1971 in Omaha, Nebraska, into a family that valued hard work and discipline. Her parents, Sylvester Union and Theresa Glass, believed strongly in education and independence. Growing up, Kelly and her sisters were taught to stand up for themselves and build their own paths in life.

Life in Omaha shaped the Union sisters in many ways. They were part of a tight family that believed in supporting each other. Gabrielle Union has often said that Kelly Union was the family’s “warrior.” This means Kelly was the one who handled tough situations and helped keep everyone strong. As the older sister, she often took on responsibilities early in life.

When Gabrielle was eight years old, the family moved from Omaha, Nebraska to Pleasanton, California. This move was important because their parents wanted the girls to experience a bigger world and new opportunities.

Who Are Kelly Union Parents?

The parents of Kelly Union played a huge role in shaping the family. Her father, Sylvester Union, served as a sergeant in the United States Army. After leaving the military, he worked as a business manager and executive. His military background meant he believed in discipline, structure, and responsibility. These values became a big part of how he raised his daughters.

Sylvester Union was known for his strong personality and leadership style. Gabrielle Union has often said that her father’s serious and confident attitude influenced how she performs certain roles in movies.

Kelly’s mother, Theresa Marie Glass Union, had a very different but equally powerful influence. She worked as a social worker and a phone company manager. Theresa believed in teaching her daughters to think about the world around them and care about social issues. She also encouraged them to learn about different communities and cultures.

Together, Sylvester and Theresa created a home where independence was expected. They raised Kelly Union, Gabrielle Union, and their sister Tracy Union with strong values. Even after their divorce years later, the family remained close and supportive of one another.

Her Parents Marriage and How They Met?

The love story of Sylvester Union and Theresa Glass began in Omaha, Nebraska during the mid-1960s. At the time, both were young adults trying to build a better future. Theresa had just graduated from high school and had started working while also taking college classes at night.

Sylvester was also focused on improving his future through education and work. The two shared a similar mindset. They believed that if they worked hard enough, they could build a stable life for their future family. This shared dream helped bring them together.

In 1966, Sylvester and Theresa got married at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Parish, a historic Black Catholic church in Omaha. Their marriage lasted 30 years, and during that time they built a strong family and raised three daughters.

The early years were not always easy. Both Sylvester and Theresa worked hard while attending night classes at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. At one point, they even cleaned a daycare center after their classes so they could receive free childcare for their young daughters. This shows how determined they were to provide a better life for their children.

Even though their marriage ended in 1996, Gabrielle Union has often said her parents handled the divorce with respect and maturity.

Kelly Union’s Education and Career

While her sister became famous in Hollywood, Kelly Union chose a very different path. She built a career in healthcare, focusing on helping patients breathe and recover from serious medical conditions. Her work in respiratory care is both challenging and meaningful.

Over the years, Kelly Union gained more than 16 years of experience in the medical field. She worked as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), helping patients with breathing problems and lung diseases. Her career also included working in several major hospitals across the United States.

Some of the places where Kelly worked include Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Maui Memorial Medical Center in Hawaii, and LAC+USC County Hospital in Los Angeles. These experiences allowed her to learn different medical systems and help many patients in different communities.

Even after years of working in healthcare, Kelly Union decided to continue her education. In 2023, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis. Returning to school later in life showed her dedication to learning and professional growth.

Today, Kelly Union works as a Respiratory Care Clinical Educator. She trains new healthcare professionals and helps guide future respiratory therapists. She also serves as an Adjunct Instructor at St. Louis Community College and works clinically with SSM Health – St. Louis University Hospital.

Meet Her Siblings

The Union family includes several sisters who share a strong bond. Kelly Union is one of the siblings who grew up in the Union household, and each sister followed her own path in life.

The most famous sibling is Gabrielle Union-Wade, an actress known for films like Bring It On and Bad Boys II. She also starred in the television series Being Mary Jane. Gabrielle is married to former NBA superstar Dwyane Wade, and together they have a daughter named Kaavia James Union Wade. Gabrielle has also become a writer, producer, and activist.

Another sister is Tracy Union, who prefers to live a more private life. Even though she stays out of the public spotlight, Gabrielle has described Tracy as fun, graceful, and full of personality. The sisters remain very close and often celebrate birthdays and family events together.

Who is Jaimel Dione Hill?

Another important person in the story of Kelly Union is her husband, Jaimel Dione Hill. He is known as an entrepreneur, author, and community mentor. While Kelly works in healthcare, Jaimel built his career through business, leadership, and youth mentorship.

Jaimel Dione Hill was born in Pittsburg, California and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sports and discipline were a big part of his early life. His father was a former NFL wide receiver, and his mother was a college swimmer. Growing up in such a competitive environment helped shape his strong mindset and work ethic.

Later in life, Jaimel joined the United States Army. His military service played a major role in shaping who he became. It helped him build discipline, confidence, and leadership skills. After leaving the military, he focused on business and community work.

Today, Jaimel runs several business projects. One of them is 360 Bartending Service, a mobile bartending company that provides professional drink services for events. Another venture is Flavorful Life Seasoning & Spice, a brand focused on healthy spices and cooking blends.

Besides business, Jaimel also writes books. His work often focuses on mentorship, fatherhood, and personal growth. One of his known books is “To Be One He Has to See One,” which talks about the importance of positive male role models in young boys’ lives.

How They Met?

Many readers often ask how Kelly Union and Jaimel Dione Hill met. Interestingly, the exact details of their first meeting have not been widely shared publicly. Unlike many celebrity couples, they prefer to keep their personal story private.

What we do know is that both Kelly and Jaimel have strong ties to California and the St. Louis area. These regions played important roles in their careers and family lives. Over time, their shared values around family, responsibility, and personal growth brought them together.

Their relationship is built on teamwork and mutual respect. Jaimel’s background in entrepreneurship and mentorship matches well with Kelly Union’s caring and supportive personality. Together, they built a family that focuses on education, discipline, and helping others.

Today, the couple spends time in several places, including Phoenix, Arizona, St. Louis, and Los Angeles, where they stay connected with the larger Union-Wade family.

Meet Her Childrens

Family has always been very important to Kelly Union. She is the proud mother of two children who have grown up with strong family values.

Her eldest child is Chelsea Janae. Chelsea was born around 1992 and has a very close relationship with her mother. Over the years, Kelly has shared heartfelt messages about Chelsea on special occasions such as birthdays. She often describes her daughter as one of the greatest blessings in her life.

Chelsea also has a strong connection with her famous aunt Gabrielle Union. Even though Gabrielle has a busy career, the family stays close and regularly celebrates important moments together.

Kelly’s second child is Torren J. Hill, whom she shares with her husband Jaimel Dione Hill. Torren grew up around sports and discipline, partly because of his father’s coaching background. With strong guidance from both parents, Torren developed his own path in life.

Torren later married Makayla Schlachter, and the couple welcomed a daughter named Skylynn Rae. This made Kelly Union a grandmother. The baptism of Skylynn became a joyful event celebrated by the extended family in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Her Bond with Gabrielle Union

One of the most beautiful parts of Kelly Union’s life is her close relationship with her sister Gabrielle Union. While Gabrielle built a career in Hollywood, Kelly has always been one of her strongest supporters.

Gabrielle often talks about how important Kelly Union is in her life. She describes Kelly as someone who helped guide the family through difficult moments. Growing up together in Nebraska and California created a bond that continues to stay strong today.

Kelly is also part of what Gabrielle calls her “village.” This term refers to the group of family members and close friends who help raise children and support each other’s lives. In this family system, everyone shares responsibility.

Because of this village idea, Kelly Union often spends time living with Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade in their Los Angeles home. She helps care for their daughter Kaavia James Union Wade, making sure the young child grows up surrounded by love and family.

Gabrielle has also honored her sister publicly many times. In fact, Gabrielle’s 2010 clothing line called “Love & Blessings” was inspired by Kelly Union. The clothing line focused on fashion for full-figured women, celebrating body confidence and strength.

Final Thoughts

When people search for the story of Kelly Union, they often expect to find only the sister of a famous actress. But her life shows something deeper. She is a healthcare professional, educator, mother, grandmother, and an important part of a strong family network.

Through her career in respiratory care, Kelly has helped many patients and trained future healthcare workers. Her work at Christian Hospital, Northwest HealthCare, St. Louis Community College, and SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital shows her dedication to helping others.

FAQs

Who is Kelly Union?

Kelly Union is a respiratory care clinical educator and healthcare professional. She is also widely known as the older sister of actress Gabrielle Union and a key member of the Union-Wade family.

How old is Kelly Union?

Kelly Union was born around 1970 or 1971 in Omaha, Nebraska. As of 2026, she is estimated to be about 54–55 years old.

Who are Kelly Union’s parents?

Kelly Union’s parents are Sylvester Union, a former U.S. Army sergeant and business executive, and Theresa Marie Glass Union, a social worker and phone company manager.

Who is Kelly Union’s husband?

Kelly Union is married to Jaimel Dione Hill, an entrepreneur, author, and U.S. Army veteran known for businesses like 360 Bartending Service and Flavorful Life Seasoning & Spice.

What is Kelly Union’s net worth?

Kelly Union’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million, mainly from her career in respiratory therapy, healthcare education, and clinical medical roles.

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