Charlotte Granberry Gillespie

Charlotte Granberry Gillespie, a native Atlantan, age 95, died suddenly of natural causes on Sunday, July 8, 2012 at Atria in Atlanta. A Memorial Service will be held at Rock Spring Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 14 at 11:00 a.m., where she was an active member for 70 years. A reception for family and friends will be held in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service . Charlotte was a devoted wife, loving mother and dear friend to all who knew her. She was an avid lover of music and sang in the church choir for over 35 years. She enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and abroad as well as exploring the creative arts, especially watercolor painting. She graduated from North Avenue Presbyterian School, NAPS, (now Westminster), and Randolph Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, VA, where she served as President of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Consistent throughout her life, she radiated a positive outlook and bright spirit. Reflecting on her own life, she often remarked “Always have something to look forward to and life will be a journey!” She lit up any room with her smile and grace!

Charlotte was happily married for 57 years to Robert Hall Gillespie, M.D., who served on active duty in WWII as Captain with the U.S. Army, Medical Corps-Emory Unit. Charlotte and Bob raised their family in an environment of love, faith and gratitude.

Charlotte had friendships spanning 90 years and loved getting to know people of all ages and with diverse interests. Her embracing and adventurous qualities led her to many friends who enriched her life. For the last seven years Charlotte enjoyed meeting new and old friends at Buckhead Atria on Lenox Road where she appreciated their loving care and family atmosphere. For the past 16 months her companions from Menders made sure she had “a great day!” Atria had already planned a party to celebrate Charlotte’s 96th birthday on Monday, July 16. Survivors include daughters Jan G. DeLong of Atlanta, GA; Miriam G. McLarty (E. Lynn, D.D.S.) of Tallahassee, FL; and Laura G. Brown (Jeffrey A.) of Marietta, GA. Other survivors include grandchildren: Jennifer D. West (Richard H.) of Decatur, GA; Emily M. Shuman (Robert G.) of Atlanta, GA; Rebecca G. McLarty of Tampa, FL (engaged to Renier Oliva of Havana, Cuba); Margaret M. Cooke (C. Bradley) of Brooklyn, NY; Mallory B. Hoidal (Kyle C., Esq.) of Charlotte, NC; and Graham G. Brown of Buckhead/Atlanta, GA; and great-grandchildren, Avery H. West and Robert D. West of Decatur, GA; sisters-in-law: Elizabeth S. Granberry and Dorothy H. Granberry both of Atlanta, GA; and many devoted nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hall Gillespie, M.D. (1999) and their daughter, Emily Louise Gillespie (1971); her parents Clara Edna Lynes Granberry and William Raymond Granberry of Druid Hills/Atlanta, GA; and her brothers, Shorter R. Granberry of Atlanta, GA and Edwin R. Granberry of Decatur, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Emily Gillespie Scholarship Fund, Presbyterian College, 503 South Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325, or to Rock Spring Presbyterian Church, 1824 Piedmont Avenue, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324. Interment will be at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, GA. For additional information, contact H. M. Patterson & Son, Funeral Directors, at 404.851.9900 or visit www.hmpattersonarlington.com