Janette Deans Gillespie

Born in Mt Clemens, MI and raised in both Edinburgh, Scotland and Ann Arbor, MI, Janette was the youngest daughter of William and Janet Tait (originally from Edinburgh, Scotland), and was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother (Nanny), and great grandmother.

Janette married the love of her life, Edward Gillespie in 1950, a prominent Naval Aviator and Test Pilot, allowing her to live in many cities around the United States prior to settling in Columbus, Ohio in 1959, where they raised four children. After living in Columbus for 61 years, Janette moved to Greenville, SC in 2020 to be closer to family in her final years. Always kind, talkative and with a great sense of humor, Janette never met a stranger. Her family was by far the most important part of her life and she was a wonderful, loving mother. She had many close friends and became well known as a great entertainer and for her terrific parties.

Janette is survived by her loving children, sons Scott Gillespie (Dawn), Dan Gillespie and daughter Devon Hattey (Don), beloved grandchildren, Ian Gillespie (Colleen), Lauren Gillespie and Savannah Gillespie and her three great-grandchildren, Henry, Eleanor and Cian Gillespie. In addition to her parents, Janette was preceded in death by Edward, her brother Arnett Tait, sister and best friend Eileen Mitchell, and her cherished, first-born son Allan Gillespie.

Her family is greatly comforted by the thought that Janette is finally reunited with those she loved and missed the most over the course of her blessed life. Our family greatly appreciates all of the close friends and neighbors that shared their lives with Janette and would like to express deep appreciation to all of the wonderfully kind caregivers that dedicated time, attention and support to Janette in the final years of her life. Your daily and ongoing devotion to Janette did not go unnoticed and we love and appreciate every one of you!

The family will be hosting a small memorial service for Janette on Saturday, January 27 at 6:00 pm at Mackey Funerals and Cremations 311 Century Drive Greenville, SC 29607.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Alzheimer Association or the Greenville Humane Society.