Elizabeth "Betty" Gillespie

Elizabeth "Betty" West Gillespie, 83 of Sylva passed away on October 29, 2013 after a short illness. She was a lifelong resident of Jackson County and was born to the late William Edgar and Mae Crisp West. Betty was preceded in death by her husband; Freeman Gillespie, daughter; Patricia Morris, sisters; Dorothy West, Helen West, Louise Campbell, Margaret Gregory, and brothers; J.D. West and Bill West, Jr. Betty was a member of East Sylva Baptist Church where she was a faithful member of the sanctuary choir for many years and a member of the Dorcas Sunday School Class. She worked as a nursing assistant at Ensley Nursing Home and volunteered with the Jackson County Health Department, but her life's calling was an attentive mother. She enjoyed working in her yard and flower gardens, and took great pride in her home. Betty was a gifted crafter and like many of her generation, knew how to do a lot with what she had. Betty is survived by her children; Dr. Michael Gillispie and wife Lisa Waynesville, Dr. Timothy Gillespie and wife Betsy of Asheville, Myra Grant and husband Nathan of Waynesville, and son-in-law, John Morris of Winston-Salem. She is also survived by her beloved six grandsons; Aaron, Davis, and Clay (Michael), Benjamin, Matthew and John (Timothy). The family will receive friends at East Sylva Baptist Church on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 1:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 pm with Rev. Charles Dean presiding. Pallbearers are her grandsons. Burial will follow the service at Fairview Gardens. Memorials and flowers may be sent to East Sylva Baptist Church, 61 Faith Ave., Sylva, NC 28779. . .