Zana Darlene Kennedy Gillespie, age 73 years, a resident of Elkins, WV and a former resident of Weston, WV departed this life Tuesday Morning December 31, 2013 at her home with her family at her side. She had been in declining health and her death attributed to cancer.
She was born on Sunday, November 24 1940, in Orton (Gilmer Co.) WV, a daughter of the late James Karl and Lucille Snow Stout Kennedy.
She was married forty seven years to The Rev. James “Jim” Gillespie, who preceded her in death on December 3, 2005.
She is survived by her children; Christopher Gillespie and wife Allison, of Columbus NC; Teresa D. Cole and husband Bob of Salvisa KY; Jay L. Gillespie and wife Shannon of Beverly.
She will be greatly missed by her loving grandchildren, Brianne Gillespie of Weston, Hillary Gillespie of Columbus, NC, Casey and husband Jake Gillespie of Boiling Springs, SC, Taylor Gillespie, Cory Gillespie of Beverly and Evan B. Cole of Salvisa, KY as well as her eight great grandchildren, Peyton, Aidan, Maddox, Carter, Logan, Bella, Holden and Kaylee. Her wonderful sisters Judy Lantz and husband Sam of Buckhannon and Vivian Butcher and husband Joe of Copley WV, Sister in laws, Sharon Lorigan of Cadogen PA, Karen Duchess of Lost Creek WV, Brother in law, Butch Gillespie and wife Doreen of Volga WV, Great Aunt Elsie Raines and husband Howard of Normantown, several nieces and nephews.
She was a graduate of Weston High School with the Class of 1958, and was able to attend her 55th class reunion in August of 2013.
Mrs. Gillespie retired from Kmart store of Elkins. During 1989 she and her husband Jim founded the Ink Spot Printing Co. of Elkins. Following his death in 2006, she continued the business which will now pass to her children.
The family will receive friends at Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins on Saturday January 4, 2014 from 10:30 am until 12 noon. On Saturday at 12 noon a celebration of life will be conducted at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Weston, WV.
