Anita Beam Gillespie

Frankie “Anita” Beam Gillespie, age 77, of Cherryville, passed away November 17, 2025, unexpectedly but surrounded by family. Anita was born February 3, 1948, in Cleveland County, to the late F.L. and Edith Ellen Beam.

Anita was a lifelong member of Bess Chapel Methodist Church, and actively involved with the United Methodist Women. Anita and her family camped at Daniel Boone Family Campground in Morganton for over 35 years, where they made memories to last a lifetime. Other than her family, Anita’s passion was service to the mission work of Bess Chapel Church and community. To Anita, family was everything. She loved traveling and never missed an opportunity to attend her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. If there were three words to describe Anita Gillespie, they would be family, friends, and faith.

In addition to her parents, Anita was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, John Adam Gillespie.

Survivors include her children, Edi Gillespie Perez (Patrick), John Adam Gillespie Jr. (Kim), and Madylin Gillespie Hunt (David); grandchildren, Samuel Perez, Sally Perez, Jason Gillespie, Emily Gillespie, and Amelia Hunt; sister, Rebecca Beam Childers; and brother, Frank L. Beam, III.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Bess Chapel Methodist Church, with Pastor Stan Nantz officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:45 PM, prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Bess Chapel Methodist Church Sound System fund – 6073 Flay Rd, Cherryville, NC 28021.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com