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Submitted: 6/27/20 • Approved: 6/28/20 • Last Updated: 7/1/20 • R1325419-G1325419-S3
June 25, 1925 - November 30, 2009
Married May 7, 1955
Julia
February 01, 1932 - March 19, 2017
Obituary
Griffin Funeral Home
Dumas, Arkansas
Julia Simpson Gillespie, 85, of Dumas entered her heavenly home on March 19, 2017. She was greeted by her parents Emma and Arnold Simpson, sister Betty Vickers and her beloved husband of more than 55 years, Lester “Cotton” Gillespie. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Mickey Gillespie (Carolyn) of Eudora, Clay Gillespie of Dumas, Leslie Ercanbrack of Star City, Bill Gillespie (Marsha) of Conway, and stepson Richard Gillespie (Debbie). Julia also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Julie Hammond, Josh Ercanbrack, Christy Ostrowski, Michelle Johnson, Andrew Gillespie, Nicholas Gillespie, Shannon Gillespie, Isaac Gillespie, and Alivia Gillespie, and seven great grandchildren. She also loved Betty's sons as she did her own - David Wilson (Vicki), Jay Wright Wilson (Terri), and Jerry Wilson now deceased. Throughout life, Julia was always in motion, either helping Cotton work cattle or the auction barn in Eudora or later working in real estate. She was a certified Real Estate Appraiser after they moved to Dumas. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Dumas, the Susanne Wesley Sunday School Class, and Circle Five, all while raising four children. She was an avid reader, loved playing bridge, and enjoyed cooking. Her wonderful sense of humor never left her - even after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She would say the wrong words or forget where she was going and just have a big laugh - always believing it is better to laugh than to cry. When she did get upset her words would always be - call JuJu, she'll take care of it. And she did! Julie was her rock and anchor until the end. The family would like to express their love and appreciation to Dr. David Chambers, Kara Beth Crow and Mr. Bill Canada; Home Health - especially Melissa, Olivia, and Crystal, and Hospice Health Care. The family would also like to express love and sincere appreciation to her next-door neighbor and best friend, Susie Courtney, who went through this final journey by Julia's side as caregiver and constant helper. Her time and devotion to Julia has been a Godsend and was a true act of compassion and caring, and we cannot thank her enough. Visitation held 5-7 PM, Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Griffin Funeral Home. Funeral service held 2 PM, Wednesday, March 22nd First United Methodist Church with Rev. Tandy Hanson officiating with burial in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Eudora, Arkansas. Memorials can be made to Donor’s choice of Charity.
Contributed on 6/27/20 by deltabelle55
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Record #: 1325419