Shirley JoAnn Gillespie

Shirley JoAnn Barnette Gillespie, 87, of Kings Mountain, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Caromont Regional Hospital. She was born on Saturday, September 19, 1936, in Cleveland County, to the late Clifford “Toby” and Emma Oates Barnette. She worked as a knitter in the textile industry. Shirley also had a special talent and love for jig saw puzzles, she and her children would spend time putting large puzzles together. She enjoyed watching birds to include hummingbirds and the famous tweety bird. Shirley will be remembered for her love and compassion.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her late husband Lloyd Vernon Gillespie, Sr.; daughter Freida Ramsey; granddaughter Brandy Ramsey; great granddaughter Makayla; along with seven siblings.

Those left to cherish her memories are her children Vernon Gillespie (Peggy), Kenneth Gillespie (Kim), and Tammy Scruggs (Scott); grandchildren Pam, Patty (Scott), Brian (Jess), Mark (Angelica), Brittany (Philip), Michelle (Luis), Chad (Sarah), Andrea (Taylor), and Ricky (Aleashia); great grandchildren, Brenna, Azi (Nick), Trevor, Brooklynn, Michael, AJ, Justin, Junior, Henry, Lucy, Kylee, Brooklynn, and Taylor; three great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law Lana Hoppes; along with a number of nieces and nephews that loved her dearly.

A family led memorial service to honor Shirley’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 3:00 pm at Eastside Baptist Church at 308 York Rd; Kings Mountain with Pastor Ron Caulder officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.

Inurnment will be with the family.

Friends are welcome to visit at other times at the home of Tammy and Scott Scruggs.