Margaret Baker Gillespie

Margaret Elizabeth Gillespie, of Conway, SC, peacefully went to her heavenly home on November 26, 2021, at 7:45 PM. She was born on October 15, 1930, in Travelers Rest, SC to the late Rev. William Clinton (Dee) Baker, Jr. and the late Cora Rich Baker. She grew up in Travelers Rest and attended school there. She was united in Marriage to Jerry Doyle Gillespie on March 7, 1947. They spent their married life serving in the United States Air Force, living in several parts of the country South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Florida as well as overseas, in Okinawa. After retiring Margaret spent time living in Miami, FL, Travelers Rest, SC, Brandon, SD, and Conway, SC. While living in Travelers Rest, she worked at Burger King for many years. Margaret was great cook. She could put an amazing dinner on the table from what seemed like very little, and her buttermilk biscuits were the best! She was an avid seamstress, keeping her children in clothes when they were young and making gifts for those she loved. Margaret was a member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church. Attending church and her church family were very important to her. Gospel music was her favorite. She listened to her gospel CD’s every night to sleep by. Her favorite pastime was sitting outside while watching the birds at the bird feeder of bird bath. She collected many figurines of birds over the years, often getting them as gifts from friends and family, and she proudly displayed them around her home. You never saw Margaret without a word search puzzle book in her hand. She was very good at those. Fried Chicken strips and orange soda were always her first choice for “good food”! Margaret had a heart full of love for her family and friends. She is survived by one daughter; Martha Lusk (Gary) of Brandon, SD, four sons; Richard Gillespie (Melanie) of Conway, SC, Glenn Gillespie (Robin) of Lakeland, FL, Jerry Gillespie (Melanie) of Brandon, SD, Ryan Bayne (Nikki) of Greer. One sister, Jimmie Metcalf of Travelers Rest, SC; three brothers, John Baker (Carolyn) of Taylors, SC, Jeff Baker (Sylvia) of Ward, AR, and Alvin Baker (Theresa) of Greer, SC. Twelve grandchildren; Patti Lindstrom, Debbie Rakebrandt, Kelly Robertson, Glenn Gillespie, Jr., Marina Tschetter, Kevin Gillespie, Tiffany Beaner, Rebekah Olsen, Aidan, Brynlee, Preslie, Levi, Landry, and Kaisyn Bayne. Sixteen Great grandchildren; Acacia, Shealynn, Brenna, Caelahn, Cora, Tanner, Dylan, Lindsey, Abby, KayleeAnn, Ethan, Owen, Ryan, Trey, Trevin, and Alex. Four Great Great Grandchildren, Bexley, Kasyn, Everleigh, and Ariah and many nieces, nephews and family. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by; three sisters, Mary Lou Pace, Dot Pace, Jeanette Caldwell and a brother, Jack Baker. Funeral services will be held at Walnut Grove Baptist Church, 626 Talley Bridge Road, Marietta, SC on Thursday, December 2nd at 1:00 PM. With burial to follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 12:50 PM Thursday at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Walnut Grove Baptist Church. Following the graveside service family and friends are invited for refreshments and a time of fellowship and celebration of Margaret’s life at Walnut Grove Baptist Church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.thehowzemortuary.com

Margaret Baker Gillespie

October 15, 1930 - November 26, 2021