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McGilley & Sheil Funeral Home & Cremation Services

11924 East 47th Street

Kansas City, Missouri

Judy Gillespie Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 30, 2013.

Judy R. (Watkins) Gillespie, 65, lifetime resident of Kansas City, MO passed away at home on April 29, 2013. Visitation 6-8pm Thurs., May 2nd at McGilley & Sheil Chapel. Funeral service 1pm Fri. at the chapel with interment following in Mt. Washington Cemetery, Indep., MO. Judy was born on June 22, 1947 in Kansas City, MO to Robert & Lucille (Barr) Watkins. She started her education at Henry Clay Elementary, graduated from Northeast High School & UMKC with a BA & MA. On May 27, 1972 she married Homer G. Gillespie and they were gifted with Matthew G. Gillespie & Janel E. Gillespie. She was associated with Helzberg Diamonds for 25 years. Judy is survived by her husband, children & grandchildren. She loved her daughter and son-in-law; Stacy D. Gillespie & Mathew T. Miller as though they were her own. Madison, Holly, Ryan (Gillespie) & Isadora (Miller) were the loves of her life. Judy had the lifetime love of her siblings Carmen, Aaron & Bernie and friend since grade school, Sherryl. Judy was blessed to be under the professional care of Dr. Mark Myron, MD & Kay Laurent, Rehab specialist. In lieu of flowers, Judy requested contributions sent to the Salvation Army or Kansas City Hospice. Condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com. Arr: McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 11924 E. 47th St., KCMO 64133, 816-353-6555.

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Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

July 23, 2013

Ernie Henderson

My deepest sympathy to the family. It was a long, long time ago we went to Henry Clay School.

May 6, 2013

Carmen Berry

Judy was the greatest sister anyone could ever have and my best friend. I will miss her every day. She was a true fighter of that terrible disease cancer. She will always be my hero.

May 6, 2013

Dan Field

Matt, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Know that all of us at the Park Police Department are here for you in your time of mourning.

May 6, 2013

Aaron

May 3, 2013

Glenda Evans

Gillespie family: You do not know me, I grew up with Judy and Carmen when they lived on Ewing St in KC, many moons ago. We attended Henry Clay School together in our grade school years. I hung out at her house a lot and have many many happy memories of the times we had while growing up. My heart goes out to you. There really are no words to ease your pain. But Judy is now forever smiling, forever pain free, forever young and watching her family from above. She will forever be surrounded by your love and the memories you hold dear to your heart will always be with you.

May 2, 2013

Sharon Freeman

May 2, 2013

Rob Weber

Matt, I wish there was something I could say or do that would somehow make this easier to bear for you and your family. Maybe just knowing that so many are thinking of you will at some point bring a little comfort.

May 2, 2013

Jennifer Collier

Dear Gillespie Family,
I've been so sad since I learned of Judy's death & I've spent a great deal of time over the past couple of days smiling at my memories of her.

I was lucky enough to work side by side with Judy at Helzberg's. I learned so much about being in the diamond department from her, & to this day, I still use & practice the things she taught me. I always admired her attitude & her approach to situations that were less than ideal. She didn't seem to get stressed. She'd just say "ohhh well" & then she moved on to the next project. She was tough, too, really tough. She had been through so much with her health & continued to struggle with side effects of some of the treatments, & through it all she came to work, & didn't slow down. I never felt like I was doing extra work because she wasn't feeling well or couldn't keep up. I used to marvel at her. The truth is, I wish I could be more like her.

She talked about all of you so much I felt like I knew you. I heard so many stories about Homer, Matt & Janel, her mother, her siblings, her neices, her friend Sheryll, & eventually her grandkids. Clearly, she had great love for all of you.

Matt & Janel, I never got to meet you, but I want you to know I'm thinking of you a little bit extra. I know first-hand how hard it is to lose a parent to cancer, & it stinks. It just plain stinks.

I can assure you that there are still plenty of people at Helzberg that remember Judy quite well, & remember her fondly. We've spoken of her many times since she retired, always with words of praise, smiles, & giggles.

Judy lived well & made a mark on this earth. May we all do the same.

May 2, 2013

Dear Homer:

I worked with Judy the 25 years at Helzberg Diamonds and she was such a wonderful, intelligent and caring lady. She will truly be missed. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Marilyn Wiber

May 2, 2013

Mike & Frances Guastello

Homer, Matt and Janel - So very sorry for your loss. Judy is definitely in a better place. Take care and God bless. Your old northeast neighbors.

May 2, 2013

Jim and Judy Bradford

Judy was such a wonderful, calming lady. I truly enjoyed, and will miss our long talks at all the "Remember When Parties". Our thought and prayers are with you Homer, your children and grandchildren. My Goodness how Judy loved her Grandchildren!!

May 2, 2013

Jim and Judy Bradford

Judy was such a wonderful, calming lady. I truely enjoyed and will miss our long talks at all the "Remember When Parties". Our thoughts and prayers are with you Homer, and with your Children and Grandchildren. My goodness, how she loved those grandchildren!!! Hugs with our Prayers Homer.

May 1, 2013

Dear Homer--Judy fought a good fight through it all. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your faith, family, and friends will be the anchors in this difficult time. Love, Cheryl Cavanah

May 1, 2013

Vicki and Moel Barnes

We are so sorry for your loss. Judy was always such a warm and loving person. My son Jared always felt so at welcome at your home. Homer, Matt and Janel please know we will keep you all in our prayers. I personally feel blessed for knowing Judy.

May 1, 2013

Lynda Crane

Dear Homer and family,

I am saddened to learn of Judy's passing. May the love of family and friends be your strength at this sad time and in the days that lie ahead. I understand the pain of loosing a spouse and best friend. I wish I could help with the vacant place in your hearts...You and your family are in my thoughts.

My love,
Lynda Upchurch Crane (BHS Class of 61)

May 1, 2013

Homer, I was saddened by reading about your wife's passing. Haven't seen you at the Nelson G. lately and I remember your saying your wife had some serious health problems. So sorry about your loss, at her young age. Glad you have children and grandchildren in your life. May God bring you peace.
Your friend from the past, Jerre Leibee

May 1, 2013

Denis and Barbara Garvey

We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers.

May 1, 2013

Nicole (Nelson) Ashley

Janel, Matt and Homer,
It's been a long time since I've been to the house for sleepovers with Janel, but I still remember many good times spent with your family and how I envied Janel because she always had such nice jewelry! Judy was always so gracious and kind to me and my parents and our prayers are with you all.

May 1, 2013

Sharon Freeman

While Carmen and I were growing up Judy was always "cool" because she was "older". When she and Homer got married I was so very impressed because it was like a fairytale. She looked like a princess. Throughout the last several years she has remained positive, strong and kept her sense of humor. She remains in my memory and heart a "Fairytale Princess".

May 1, 2013

I worked with Judy at helzberg for many years! Being at helzberg for so long Judy was such a wealth of knowledge! She was one of those people that had a special thing! Every person who knew her liked and respected her! People like Judy are rare! She was a beautiful person!

May 1, 2013

NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOC.

PRAYERS AND CONCERN FOR FAMILY MEMBERS DURING THEIR TIME OF SORROW.

April 30, 2013

Stacy

Love you

April 30, 2013

Lori Lamb

Matt & Janel I am so sorry about the passing of your mom. I know you 2 and your kids were the light of her life. My thoughts are with you guys especially the next couple of days as they will be the hardest. Much love from my family to yours.

April 30, 2013

Kathy Watkins

My favorite story about Judy was how she found out about our engagement. She found Aaron's receipt at Helzbergs for my engagement ring, but never told a soul until we had announced it publicly. Such a classy lady in all respects. She was well loved by all her friends and family. We will miss her.

April 30, 2013

Jacob Shafer

She will always be a great Mom

April 30, 2013

Kellie Napier

Judy was a wonderful woman. She treated our family as her own. She always came to our family functions and never ever left my kids out. She would spoil them just as much as her own grandchildren. We will miss her most on Halloween because she loved my dads BBQ Beef sandwiches. And that was something she looked forward to every year. We love her very much and will miss her.
Love you,
Jason, Kellie, Chris, and Austin Sanders

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

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