LaVerne Gillespie's Obituary
Laverne Gillespie was born on December 9, 1936 in Caruthersville, Missouri
to the parents of Maedell Williams and J. Ivory. She was preceded into glory by
both parents; husband, Willie Lewis Gillespie; oldest daughter, Cathy Gillespie
and oldest son, Vincent Louis Gillespie.
Laverne received a formal education at Newport, Arkansas Color Public School
System and learned various trades and skills within the workforce that lead to
her niche before retiring from Overland City Hall in 1991.
Laverne accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior under the leadership
of Benton Jackson, Sr. in 1978. She was a true ambassador for Christ as she
witnessed and shared the word of God and The Gospel, with almost everyone
she met, whether they wanted to hear it or not. She had an overflow of anointing
that just continues to flow with the goodness of God and such a zest for life.
Laverne met and married her husband, Willie Lewis Gillespie at a young age.
The union of the lovely couple was blessed with six wonderful children. However,
many others considered her like a mother figure as she depicts such nurturing
and Christ-Like spirit.
Laverne was passionate and enjoyed her Sunday drives, fellowshipping with
saints, spending time with family, reading the bible, traveling to her hometown,
Newport, Arkansas, where many friends and loved ones reside. She never met
a stranger and many was drawn to her because of her beacon of light, that
shines so brightly, she was able to shed a light to others that they too can
have salvation and be a light for Christ Jesus.
Laverne Gillespie leaves to cherish her warm and wonderful memories: three
daughters ~ Renda G. Gillespie, Vernell Norman (Jim) and Wanda Gillespie;
son ~ Laymon Gillespie (Latecia); granddaughter ~ Latonya (Pumpkin) Gillespie;
grandsons ~ Darnell Gillespie, Vincent (Bubbie) Gillespie, Tevin Wu Stanback,
Devin Tang Stanback, Laymon (Blue) Gillespie and Jessie Gillespie; great
grandchildren ~ Jordan Murphy and Raven Murphy; step grandchildren ~ Erica
(Nikki) Woolfolk and James Howard; niece ~ Josephine Bulter (Willie); special
cousins ~ Jeanette Lewis (Joe) and Anvlee Robinson; and a host of cousins,
friends, and loved ones.
What’s your fondest memory of LaVerne?
What’s a lesson you learned from LaVerne?
Share a story where LaVerne's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with LaVerne you’ll never forget.
How did LaVerne make you smile?