Wardell Gillespie

WARDELL GILLESPIE, 77 ROCKFORD - Wardell Gillespie, 77, the eldest of 10 children, was born Sept. 10, 1934, in Egypt, Miss., to the late Willie B. and Sallie (Hutt) Gillespie. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Zion Spring Baptist Church. He was partially educated in the local school district in Egypt, later moving to Ann Arbor, Mich., and he completed his education there. Wardell served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1958. He later became employed as an iron worker (construction) until retirement. He loved to bowl, fish, hunt and gardening. Wardell was a people person and loved everybody. He previously attended New Zion Baptist Church where he sang in the choir for many years. Wardell later transferred his membership to Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church where he served the Lord faithfully as a Trustee. He loved his church family and will be missed by all that knew him. On Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, Wardell departed from this life, at home with family at his bedside, after a short illness. He leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving wife of 11 years, Beatrice "Baby Doll" Gillespie; daughters, Gertrude Gillespie of Ann Arbor and Shawn Gillespie of Rockford; stepchildren he raised, Vea L. Payton, Lawayne C. Taylor and Ruth Taylor; two grandsons; sisters, Margie (Alfred) Johnson of Rockford and Mary Jennings of Saltillo, Miss.; brothers, Willie James (Clara) Gillespie of Romulus, Mich., and Cloyd (Indiana) Gillespie of Aberdeen, Miss.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, caring friends, and special friends, the Rev. Stanley Dillard and Curtis Stewart. Predeceased by his parents; son; stepdaughter; and five brothers. Service at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 301 Klines Ave., with visitation from 9 a.m. to time of service; Pastor Calvin Malone will officiate. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home, 2429 W. State St.