Elaine Gillespie

Elaine Gillespie was born October 24, 1927, in Canton, Ohio, to David and Zora Bradshaw. She died June 12, 2025.

Elaine knew emphatically that the one thing she did not want in life was to marry a preacher. She fell in love with James “Jim” Gillespie and they were married after a whirlwind courtship on July 3, 1946. Naturally, Jim surrendered to preach soon after and together they loved and ministered to people for seventy years until Jim’s death on October 31, 2016. To the very end of her life, Elaine was a comfort and blessing to everyone who had the honor of meeting her. We all miss her and all rejoice that we know her joy is complete. She is finally Home. “Jesus… (said), ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this… (John 11:25-26 NLT)?”

She is survived by sons Ken and his wife Ana Gillespie, and Dave and his wife Audrey Gillespie, granddaughters Shannon and husband Billy Boyd, Sarah and husband Roger Rodriguez, and Lora and husband Stephen Parker; seven great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Nelson and sister-in-law Jane Bradshaw, and great-grandchildren Christopher and William Reed.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Erath Gardens of Memory in Stephenville, Texas. Reverend David Cason will officiate.

Special thanks to Kinder Hearts Hospice in Abilene, Texas, for their wonderful care of our Memaw in her last days and all our dear family and friends who ministered to us and to her.

In lieu of flowers, if you so choose, you can donate to Kinder Hearts Hospice or to M.D. Anderson hospital in Houston.