Sarah Bernice Gillespie

Bernice, as she preferred to be called, was born in Danielsville, GA, on March 29, 1932. She was the youngest of five children of Julius Gober Strickland and Nellie Ellen Dean Strickland. She met the love of her life, Tom Gillespie, while living in the Athens area. They were married on January 6, 1951, and welcomed their baby boy, Tommy, on their first anniversary. After the birth of their second child, Terri, they moved to Statesboro where they lived for approximately 12 years. During that time, their third child, Deana, was born. They moved to Morrow, GA in 1971 when they became owners of the Hillbilly House Cafeteria in Jonesboro. Bernice lovingly worked beside her husband in the Hillbilly House for many years helping their dream to grow. Following the closure of the Hillbilly House Cafeteria in 1985, Bernice worked at Piccadilly Cafeteria in Morrow, and also Clayton County schools’ cafeteria. She later became a bailiff with the Clayton County Juvenile Court System. Tom and Bernice moved to Fayetteville in 2004 with their daughter, Terri and Tom Durden. She was later baptized into Christ and became an active member at Fayetteville Church of Christ, enjoying lots of activities with the Silver Wings group. She was very active in the Bear Hugs program there, which provides handmade bears to children brought to the emergency room at the hospital. Her other hobbies included crocheting, going to the beach, and lots of music. Her greatest accomplishments were certainly her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved each of them dearly, and supported them in their endeavors. She loved spoiling them in ways that were special to each.

Bernice is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband of 54 years, Thomas W. Gillespie. She is also preceded in death by her brothers, Garnett Strickland, Cohen Strickland, Edward Strickland, and Langdon “Red” Strickland; as well as two sisters, Ruby Strickland and Ruth Strickland Byrum. In addition, she was preceded by daughter-in-law, Donna Ellis Gillespie; and great-grandson, Wyatt Thomas Ray.

Bernice is survived by son, Thomas W. Gillespie, Jr. of Jonesboro; daughter, Terri (Tom) Durden of Fayetteville, and daughter, Deana (Terry) Poss of Griffin. Additionally, she is survived by five grandchildren, David Brown, Chrissy Berry, Tiffany Ray, Rose Durden, and Tad Durden. Her six great-grandchildren are Dakota Berry, Gavin Berry, Nathan Brown, Madelyn Brown, Caylee Williamson, and Cayden Berry. Just as importantly, she is survived by three brothers-in-law with whom she was a mother figure to at various times, Milton Gillespie of Sky Valley, GA, Henry Gillespie of Middleburg, FL, and Robert Gillespie of North Augusta, SC. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to acknowledge the excellent care provided by Eternal Hope Hospice, Griffin, GA, and especially the professional and loving care provided by Lori Beth Gales, as well as the many other caregivers and support staff during the almost three years Bernice was under hospice care. We would also like to express appreciation to the ladies at Fayetteville Church of Christ for the constant love, support, cards and friendship extended to Bernice throughout the last several years.

A memorial service will be held for Bernice on August 28, 2021, at 2:00 PM, at Fayetteville Church of Christ, 870 Redwine Road, Fayetteville, GA 30215. Visitation will be 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, before the service.

Burial will occur at Elmhurst Cemetery, 400 North Oliver Street, Elberton, GA, 30635 on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at 1:00 PM.

Family and friends are welcome to attend either service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of Bernice.