Versie Carol Gilchrist

Versie was born November 6, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, to Irene and Victor Gilchrist. She lived to bring joy to others—serving her community, encouraging those around her, and consistently putting people before herself.

A proud graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, Versie also earned U.S. Navy SEALs Cadette honors at The Navy Academy in Brooklyn. She later continued her education in Illinois, earning two bachelor’s degrees from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville, and ultimately her Master of Business Administration from Webster University.

Versie never stopped being a New Yorker at heart. Though she moved away, she remained deeply connected to New York—so much so that her passwords often included “Snoopy” or “New York.” She adored Snoopy, loved gardening, and had a special fondness for classic black-and-white films, which she enthusiastically (and sometimes insistently) made her family watch with her. Her biggest passion, however, may have been taking photos of her family. During any family outing, Versie could be seen snapping no less than hundreds of photos. She pushed the limits until she got an aggravated eye roll from her nieces and nephews.

Versie’s faith journey began as a child at First African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she first acknowledged Christ as her Lord and Savior. After her mother married Earl Scott and the family transitioned to O’Fallon, Illinois, Versie attended chapel services at Scott Air Force Base and remained steadfast through several church homes. She later became a member of Edgemont Bible Church, which remained her church home until she went on to be with the Lord.

Although Versie never married and had no children of her own, she had a strong maternal spirit and devoted herself to the lives of her “chosen children”—her nieces Courtney and Mykala Hedgepeth, and her nephew Devin Hedgepeth and her great niece Kobi Atwater. She walked with them through every milestone, every high and every low, teaching them the importance of faith, values, and character. While she shared a special bond with each of them, Versie and Mykala were especially close—often staying up late talking about nothing at all, making late-night Walmart snack runs to fuel their endless conversations. Versie and Mykala’s connection began in Mykala’s early years, as Versie willingly watched her while her sister, Lesia Hedgepeth, battled breast cancer. Versie is also survived by her beloved dog, Remi, whom she raised from a puppy and loved dearly.

Versie’s selflessness was perhaps most evident in her decision to remain in the O’Fallon area to support her mother, Irene Scott, and to lovingly care for her stepfather, Earl Scott, as he faced dementia. She cared for him deeply and took pride in looking after her family.

Versie also built a remarkable career marked by loyalty and service. She dedicated 25 years to the Federal Reserve, where she finished her career as an Accounting Technician in the NAF (Non-Appropriated Funds) Department. Known for her warm smile, encouragement, and willingness to help others, Versie brought laughter, love, and generosity into every workplace she entered. She remained especially grateful for the support of her NAF family, who went out of their way to care for and uplift her—even through her final days.

Versie is survived by her mother, Irene Scott, and stepfather, Earl Scott; her sister, Lesia Hedgepeth (Dwain); her nieces and nephew, Courtney, Mykala, and Devin; her great-niece, Kobi Atwater; and her dog, Remi. She is also lovingly remembered by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with many dear friends and an extended work family who cherished her.

Versie’s legacy of kindness, wisdom, encouragement, and service lives on in the many lives she touched.

A visitation will be held at Edgemont Bible Church, located at 5100 N Illinois St, Fairview Heights, IL 62208, on December 29, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

The funeral service will also take place at Edgemont Bible Church on December 29, 2025, starting at 11:00 am. Services will be Live Streamed on Lake View Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens Facebook Page.

The committal service will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208, on December 29, 2025, beginning at 12:30 pm.