I am sorry to share the news that Jean Gillespie, 94, a long time member of UUCUC, passed away in her sleep on the morning of Friday, August 27, 2021 at Autumn Leaves of Savoy, "sitting comfortably in her favorite chair" according to her grandson Alec. She had complications due to a serious case of COVID-19 earlier in the summer, and had been recovering at Autumn Leaves for several weeks.

Jean grew up in Champaign-Urbana, and she and her husband Robert joined the church in 1965. Before her retirement, she worked as a licensed psychologist in the schools.

Jean and her late son Tom Gillespie attended and supported the church together for many years, and were famous for their magnificent annual auction event, "Beans, Bluegrass and Barbecue". When I interviewed her in 2018 for a service honoring 50+ year members of the church, she said, "What has kept me a member all these years are the people!"

In the last few years, her health issues made it too difficult to attend on Sundays, but she continued to take an active interest in the church, and maintained personal friendships.

She lived a life of adventure, independence, and spirit.

Condolence cards can be sent to:

Alec Gillespie and the Gillespie Family

c/o Roland Realty

901 A. 1st St.

Champaign, IL 61820

A public gathering to honor and celebrate her life is being planned for a later date.