Joy Gillespie went to Heaven on Sunday, October 15, 2023

Joy Gillespie went to Heaven on Sunday, October 15, 2023 where she was greeted by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and was reunited with the love of her life and husband of 70 years, Bailey. Joy stepped away from nursing school in order for them to be married.

Joy was a member of First Baptist Church of Spindale. She was born in Spindale and was a graduate of R.S. Central High School.

She taught crafts at Cleveland Tech and Isothermal Community College and was the author of "Mama Mountain Cookbook and Her Christmas Dinner". She co-authored her husband's book, "Korean War Remembered: 1013 Days of Hell which recounted his days as a P.O.W. during the Korean War. She was the owner and operator of Joy Gillespie World Tours, Nana & Papa Craft Creations and did many tours for Eastern Airlines.

Joy was preceded in death by her father, Richard Oakley; her mother, Martha Jane Pate Oakley; husband, Bailey Gillespie; granddaughter, Summer Leigh Shires; and son-in-law, Alfred Shires.

She is survived by one daughter, Christy Gillespie Shires; three great grandsons, several cousins.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Joy's memory to either Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, bwar.org or to a local food pantry of your choice.

A service to celebrate the life of Joy was held October 21 in the Chapel of Crowe's Mortuary with Rev. Andy Evans and Rev. Larry Ford officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.