On October 24, 2024, Mrs. Velvet Lee Gillespie, 58, of Carrollton, MS passed away at the University Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Funeral arrangements will include visitation Friday, November 1, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church Family Life Center with a Home Going service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Winona, MS. Oliver Funeral Home of Winona will facilitate all arrangements. Burial will be in the Itta Bena Cemetery, Itta Bena, MS. Rev. Jay Anderson and Dr. Joe Pate will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be George Gillespie, Alex Gillespie, Robert Perry, Cliff Herndon, Timmy Slaton, and Jim Miller.
Mrs. Gillespie was born on June 10, 1966, to Patricia Ann Jackson and the late Ernest Wayne Jackson in Greenwood, MS. Mrs. Gillespie worked as a nurse and spent time all throughout the delta and hills of North Mississippi where she faithfully served in that capacity for over 30 years. During her time as a nurse, she has had the opportunity to invest so much in others’ lives by performing acts of kindness and sharing the love of Jesus through her profession. Mrs. Gillespie was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Greenwood and most recently First Baptist Church of Winona, where she served in the choir and in the children’s ministry. She also loved spending time baking cakes, sewing and always starting some sort of project.
She was preceded in death by her dad, Ernest Wayne Jackson in 1991. She is survived by her husband, George Robert Gillespie and son, Alexander Robert Gillespie (Julianna), two daughters Abigail Patricia Gillespie and Ashlyn Elizabeth Gillespie, one granddaughter McKena Holland Gillespie, mom, Patricia Ann Jackson of Milton, Fl, sister, Helen Frances Herndon (Cliff) of Milton, Fl and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Gillespie will always be remembered for so many years of dedicated compassionate service to Christ and to others that gave her happiness.
Memorials may be sent to The Baptist Children’s Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39069 or the charity of your choice.
I had the honor to work with Velvet for several years. She greatly impacted my life as she was full of life and laughter. She will forever be remembered. My heart and prayers go out to her family 🙏🏻💗🙏🏻
Love you lady,
Melinda
I have fond memories of Velvet when at CCHA. She will always be remembered for her kindness and compassion. ❤️
I will always remember her warm greeting each morning that she came to the Greenville office. Her voice and presence was authentic and many felt free to talk with her. Mrs. Velvet Gillespie will truly be missed in our presence. My prayers are that the family find strength to in God and continue to hold and remember the spirit of their love one, Mrs. Velvet Gillespie.🙏👼
velvet and I started out in nursing school together as t babies. Some 39 something years ago. I never saw her without a smile She loved nursing and was very dedicated to the profession. Was dedicated to the life long task of caring for others. She loved her family and spoke of them often. Rest with God your task is completed we will carry on from here.
I had the pleasure of working with Velvet for many many years. Just recently had the privilege of spending most of my days along side her caring for our clients at Life Help. Velvet was like a second momma to me, always listening and giving me life advice. We talked about the Lord and the love of Jesus all the time. I will forever and always hold our memories very dear to my heart. I can hear her laugh now. I’m gonna miss you so much Velvet. Until we meet again. Love you so much
Randi Lynn
I had the liberty of working with this sweet lady she always made me smile and laugh I’m really gonna miss her RIH velvet 😭😭💔💔
A sweet and talented daughter-in-law. She will be forever missed by our family and many others.