By: Drs. Gregory and Brittany Payne

During life’s most demanding moments, the deepest and most enduring bonds are often forged. Much like military service, residency—with its relentless pace and emotional intensity—transforms colleagues into family: lifelong friends who share not only the work, but also the weight and wonder of the journey. Such was the relationship between our family and Dr. Latesha Elopre.

On June 28, 2025, we said goodbye to our dear friend in the same hospital where our friendship began. Dr. Elopre passed away unexpectedly, leaving a void in our community that can never truly be filled. She was an internationally recognized expert in infectious disease research and a visionary leader. But more than her accolades, Latesha led with passion and conviction—qualities that inspired everyone around her.

For us, she was simply Latesha: a close friend and confidant we were fortunate to meet during residency in 2011. As an intern, Greg had the privilege of working with Latesha in the UAB MICU. She was his senior resident—his ever-present upper level—during a month filled with Q4 overnight calls, medical emergencies, numerous admissions, and difficult family meetings. Latesha led with grace, always expecting the best from herself and from those around her – Greg was no exception.

Despite the intensity of that first month, our families quickly became close. She and her husband, Chris, welcomed us into their home when their son was just an infant. From that point on, Latesha became synonymous with UAB for us. Over the years, she and Greg worked together to build a more diverse and inclusive community of professionals—many of whom remain at UAB today—through the former Diversity Council for Graduate Medical Education. Like so many UAB residents, past and present, we shared our successes, our challenges, and always made time for a laugh and a sincere, “How are you doing?”

Even though our time as internal medicine residents together was brief, its impact was lasting. Throughout our careers, our paths crossed frequently—sometimes unexpectedly, and other times through intentional collaboration. No matter the circumstance, Latesha remained only a text message away, always available to offer support, guidance, or simply a friendly check-in. We made time to check in at work and ensured our families stayed connected. Through it all, she continued to hold us to the same high standard she had set in the MICU 14 years ago — always expecting our best. Her accessibility and willingness to connect underscored the depth of our friendship and the strength of the bonds formed during our shared journey in medicine. In many ways, she was a "big sister," even though she had to remind us more than once that she was younger than us.

We are grateful for the moments we shared beyond the walls of UAB hospital. For Latesha, any occasion was a good reason to savor dessert, share laughter, and catch up on gossip. She was always one we could count on to attend our daughters’ birthdays or our house parties, choosing joy and connection whenever possible. But most importantly, Latesha was someone we could depend on when life was at its hardest. During our family tragedies, she would be the very first to reach out with unwavering support. No problem was too big or too small for her attention; she was truly a friend for every season.

Latesha’s loss has been deeply felt—by her family, her friends, and the countless others who had the privilege of knowing her. While no single message can capture the fullness of her life, one thought remains constant for us: her unwavering ability to be there when you needed her. Despite her many responsibilities, she always knew how to be the friend you needed, exactly when you needed her.

Latesha’s legacy remains with the people she worked with and the patients she served, who both mattered more to her than any grant or recognition. Her “north star” was helping others through service—by any means necessary. Her legacy also continues in the strength of her family, who, despite their grief, continue to uplift her memory with courage and grace. She would implore us to care for those around us, never forgetting that to uplift the most marginalized among us is essential for us all to succeed.

On behalf of our family, her co-residents, and lifelong friends—we say thank you, Latesha, for the kindness and commitment you shared with all of us. You exemplify the absolute best of what it means to be a UAB Tinsley Harrison Internal Medicine Residency graduate, and we will always be grateful for the gift of your friendship. Though we mourn your loss, we move forward inspired by your example – carrying your spirit of compassion, courage, and unwavering friendship in all that we do.