Alberta Smith Gillespie
Savannah
Alberta Smith Gillespie, died November 26, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer while surrounded by her loving family. Alberta was born in Savannah on March 10, 1928, to the late Stella Meta Catharina Gerkin and Thomas Argo Smith. After graduating from Savannah High in 1945, she attended Armstrong and Newberry Colleges before graduating cume laude in nursing from Vanderbilt University in 1950. She was a nurse at Vanderbilt and taught nursing at Georgia Medical College for two years in Augusta, GA. Alberta was married to John Franklin Gillespie in 1952 and started a family. After raising her family she volunteered in school health rooms and became the first registered nurse hired in Lexington County School District #5 in Columbia, SC.
She and her husband retired to Savannah in 1985 where she enjoyed golf, bridge, and volunteer work. She enjoyed spending time with the Flamingos, a group of women who had known each other from grade school in Savannah. The group included Nan Ernst Mrs. H. Andrew, Phillippa Paddison Mrs. J Robert, Jane Shuman Mrs. James T, Lorraine Street Mrs. M. Wayne, and Betty Weeks Mrs. S. Elmo. She was very active at Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church where she helped many in the church with transportation to doctor’s appointments, checked in on the sick, and provided a warm smile as well as encouragement to all who knew her. Her many duties there included: Office Volunteer, serving as receptionist and counting money; Flower Committee, delivering flowers; Worship Committee, serving as co-chair of the Communion Committee; and Reception Committee, preparing food for receptions held at the church. She was known around the church and in general as an unofficial saint. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, family, and friend to all. She served the Lord greatly on this earth.
She was preceded in death by her parents. Alberta is survived by her husband of 54 years, John Gillespie and her four children, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her children are Katherine Gillespie Keane Patrick of Chapin, SC; John Jack Gillespie, Jr. Cheryl of St. Augustine , FL; Joseph Gillespie Nicole of Daytona Beach, FL; and Michael Gillespie of Jacksonville Beach, FL. Grandchildren include: Tricia Dillon Thomas Clay of Sarasota, FL; Joseph Dillon of Charleston, SC; Kaitlynn Keane of Chapin, SC; Logan Gillespie, Cara Gillespie, and John Gillespie, III all of St. Augustine, FL; and Hannah Gillespie, Rebecca Gillespie, Sarah Gillespie, and Abigail Gillespie all of Daytona Beach, FL. Great-grandchild is Mason Thomas of Sarasota, FL. Alberta is also survived by her brother, Thomas A. Smith, Jr. as well as a number of nieces, nephews and many friends.
The family will receive friends at Fox and Weeks, Hodgson Chapel Wednesday, November 29, 6:00-8:00 pm. A private family burial at Bonaventure Cemetery will be followed by a memorial service and reception Thursday, November 30, 11:00 am at Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church on Skidaway Island.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that remembrances be made to Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church “Building Fund,” 50 Diamond Cswy, Savannah, GA 31411.
FOX AND WEEKS FUNERAL DIRECTORS HODGSON CHAPEL