Jaunese Gillespie Obituary

Gillespie, Jaunese Mabel

A Celebration of the life of Jaunese M. Gillespie.

Jaunese Mabel Sarpy was born February 25, 1932, in New Orleans, to the union of John B. Sarpy and Pearl J. Hithe. She was the oldest of four children. She was preceded in death by both parents and her brothers, Gerald L and Ronald J. Sarpy.

Jaunese (mostly called Jan) moved with her family to Chicago, Il. She attended Forestville Elementary, Lucy Flower High School and Herzl Junior College.

Jan worked at the General Services Administration for 19 years, retiring in April, 1986 and retiring again from H&R Block after 30 years of service.

Jan was married to William A. Bates for 18 years and three children were born to that union. Subsequently married to Roy Gillespie for 35 years. Both have preceded her in death as did her son William A. Bates, Jr.

Jan attended Morgan Park Presbyterian Church where she was an active member participating in Presbyterian Women, Sewing Circle and accepted the call to become an Elder which she served until her health failed.

Jan will be missed by her daughter, Kathryn Bates, her grandsons Harry Bates and William Boyd who cared for her until her death and her beloved niece, Meloney Knighton. She leaves behind a daughter, Jaunese Okuma, a long time resident of California, her children Kristina Allen and Nicholas Okuma. Her grand-daughter Tara Anderson, great-grand son Tristan Robinson, sister Michele and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

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