Beatrice Elizabeth Gillespie

Beatrice "Bea" E. Gillespie was born on April 24, 1945 to William Sr. and Mary (Ford) Spencer, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the third child of four children. Bea was a lifelong learner who frequently shared her love of family and strong faith in the Lord to those that she encountered during her life. Bea graduated from John Hay High School in 1963 as Valedictorian of her Class. She went on to earn an associate degree in Secretarial Science from Cuyahoga Community College. After graduation, she became employed at The Welfare Federation of Cleveland for several years as a secretary supporting staff focused on Human Services and Health in Ohio. In 1969, Bea left the workforce to become a domestic homemaker and raise her children. She loved to cook especially sweet treats with family, perform projects in the home, and served as a mom not only to her two sons, but to many of their friends in the East 127th Street neighborhood. Although she was no longer in the workforce, Bea continued to use her secretarial skills and interest in education to assist her family, neighbors, and others. She volunteered as a secretary for the 127th Street Neighborhood Association and the Ford-Bryson Family Reunion committee. She often shared her knowledge of various subjects that she excelled in at school, such as English, Spelling, Math, and Science. Bea throughout her life always had a strong interest in the latest technology, frequently buying new gadgets to help around the house and sharing her technical knowledge with her family and neighbors. She also enjoyed music (especially R&B music) such as Luther, the Temptations, Usher, and Beyonce. Bea was a Member of East Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, where she and her family worshipped for many years. She served as a member of the senior choir until her health prevented her from actively participating. Although her participation was limited in recent years, she continued to perform prayers and songs for her family and caregivers. Bea peacefully passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 79. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Sr. and Mary Spencer and her brother, Charles Spencer. She leaves to mourn her passing and to cherish her memory: her husband of 58 years, Bobby Gillespie; 2 sons, Anthony Gillespie (Ada) of Montville, Ohio and Brian Gillespie of Cleveland, Ohio; 3 grandchildren, Brayionna, Breyashia and Anthony, Jr.; 1 sister, Charlotte Adams (John) of Columbia, Maryland; 1 brother, William Spencer, Jr. (Mattie) of Cleveland, Ohio; 1 sister-in-law, Katheleen Spencer of Cleveland, Ohio; and many other relatives and friends. Our family invites you to join us to celebrate Bea's life. Her visitation will be on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at Monreal Funeral Home, 35400 Curtis Blvd in Eastlake, OH, 44095. A funeral service for Bea will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, starting at 10:00 am at Monreal Funeral Home, 35400 Curtis Blvd in Eastlake, OH 44095. Her final resting place will be Montville Cemetery, 9601 Madison Road, Montville, OH, 44064. A repast luncheon will take place immediately after Bea is laid to rest in Montville Cemetery.

Beatrice Elizabeth Gillespie

April 24, 1945 - January 9, 2025

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