Sarah "Sally" Gillespie

Sarah (Sally) Clyde Morgan Gillespie, 85, passed from her earthly life at her home on Jan. 18, 2025. Sally was born on Dec. 5, 1939, in Cedartown, Ga, to Julian (Hardage) Morgan and Emory Clyde (E.C.) Morgan. Along with being named for her father, Sally was also named for her great-grandmother, Sarah Jane Lee Hagan. She enjoyed her childhood with her dear sister, Julianne, whom she called "Sissy." The two of them carried on their family tradition as members of the Cedartown Rod & Gun Club, swimming, fishing, berry-picking, home-cooked meals, story-telling, jigsaw puzzles, and sing-alongs into the wee hours with longtime friends on their cabin's back porch.

Sally was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Cedartown and graduated from Cedartown High School in 1958. Her high-spirited, best friend was Norma, and the two remained close throughout Sally's life. Sally studied Home Economics for two years at Auburn University and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

On a blind date, Sally met the love of her life, Lt. Thomas (Tom) Evan Gillespie Jr, USMC, in Pensacola, Fla., where he was stationed for flight training school. They were married in 1960 at McFall Memorial Chapel in Kingsville, Texas.

Sally finished her Auburn bachelor's degree through correspondence courses while living on the military base in El Toro, Calif. She was always proud to shout "War Eagle" especially when Auburn was up against her husband's Vanderbilt teams! They shared fifty-five wonderful years together before Tom's death in 2016.

Sally and Tom raised two daughters, Emory Ann Gillespie (Bob David) and Susan Hays Gillespie Elliott (Tim). With deep sorrow, Sally, her extended family, and friends lost their beloved Susan to illness in 2009.

Grandchildren TomHenry (Rachel), Raina (Adam), Austin (Christene), Wesley (McKinley), Julian, and great-granddaughter, Josephine Hays, brought joy to her life, and she brought joy to theirs, too. Sally also cherished her times with her niece, Anne (Dan), and nephews Michael (Esther), Jeff (Sumner), John (Vicky), and their wonderful children, John, Reed, Morgan, Jane Perry, Walker, Emery Pierce, and Walton. With her son-in-law, Bob, on the crew, Sally built her beach house at Pawley's Island and named it The Mustard Seed. There, Sally and Tom hosted many joyful family gatherings where all ages enjoyed casting for shrimp, fishing for flounder, and floating in the creek on the outgoing tide.

Sally used her discerning eye and fine taste to design an array of lovely homes and gardens from Columbia, S.C., to Statesville, N.C., and from Basking Ridge, N.J., to their Georgetown home of nearly fifty years. Friends and family alike appreciated her hospitality.

Sally also provided delicious meals - often taking classes to perfect a certain cuisine - and then preparing elegant tables for family, friends or Tom's business visitors.

She designed and created outfits for her two daughters. Her Christmas mornings were memorably sparkling, with each family member receiving a stack of thoughtful holiday gifts she had been collecting the entire year.

Sally taught science at her daughters' school, Winyah Academy. She later worked as an officer at Andrews Bank and Trust and expanded her financial education in Boulder, Colo. Then, she obtained her real estate license, and became an agent for Pawley's Island Realty.

Sally was devoted to the Georgetown Presbyterian Church for nearly fifty years. She served in many roles, including Elder, Deacon, Committee Chair, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Community Outreach Supporter, and the Chair of Church Improvement Projects.

Sally also took seriously her volunteer role as a member of the Georgetown Architectural Review Board (ARB). She educated herself - and was deeply familiar with - all aspects of maintaining Georgetown's wide collection of historic homes and buildings. Sally was passionate about historic architecture and was an ardent preservationist. (Her out-of-state daughters were also clear on what they should and should not do to their own homes, thanks to their mother's research!) Sally was proud to live in the distinguished, downtown community of Georgetown and considered its diversity to be its greatest strength. With her enthusiasm, dedication and knowledge, she encouraged the restoration of dozens of historically significant homes and businesses, preserving Georgetown's racial, religious, and commercial integrity for generations to come.

Many organizations and individuals benefited for decades from Sally's generosity. Among them are Georgetown Presbyterian Church, Thornwell Family and Children's Mission, Peacehaven Farm, and several animal rescue organizations.

Sally's family recognizes her devoted community of friends and neighbors who, particularly after the loss of her daughter, Susan, and husband, Tom, became Sally's adopted kin, a chosen family of kindred spirits who sustained and inspired her through collective aspirations, adventures, and endeavors, remaining steadfast to the end. Sally's chosen family includes Elise, Roxanne, Jane, Harold, Rose, Tim, Nonie, Elizabeth, Mark, Jeff, Rita, Jim, Marcy, Bruce, Carol, Rhonda, and many others. We are grateful for all of the delightful meals and holidays you shared with Sally, and we thank you for your faithfulness to her throughout her final days. We will cherish the silent hours of vigil you kept by her side.

We honor the beloved Kouamou family, who called her "Maman Sally," a French term of endearment, brought her deep joy, and remained devoted to her throughout her life. Emily, your tender care for Sally in her final days was a sacred, holy gift. Herman, Ariel, Sandra, Kristiva, Emmanuel, and baby Emmanuel, too, Sally rejoiced in your accomplishments and loved you all to the moon and back.

We are grateful to Pastor Joel, Pastor Rhett, Hppy, Eileen, Carrie, Gary, and for Seemone Woodbury's team from Heartful Hearts In Home Care, Twyla, Anna, Annie, Rosemary, Danielle, Lisa, Trina, Cheryl, Maggie, and the Hospice caregivers, Devon, Karen W., Ellie, Lee, and Elizabeth. You have our unending gratitude and appreciation for your attention and commitment to Sally's well-being and peaceful travel from this world into the loving embrace of God.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 25th, at Georgetown Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow.

You may sign a guest book at: www.mayerfuneralhome.com

Memorials may be made to:

* Georgetown Presbyterian Church (USA), 558 Black River Road, Georgetown, SC 29440

Peacehaven Community Farm, 1458 NC Highway 61, Whitsett, NC 27377, which is the inspiration of Sally's daughter, Susan, and now provides permanent housing and activities for adults living with disabilities.

Family of Christ Presbyterian Church (USA) 2410 35th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634, which serves LGBTQ and immigrant populations through community gardens, beekeeping, outdoor theatre productions, and a free grocery store. Sally's daughter, Emory, serves as pastor.

The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home is assisting the family.