Known as “Elly” to her family and friends, Elly grew up in Lakeview, Texas. She graduated from Lakeview High School and later, furthered her education to receive her LVN license. Elly married the love of her life Dudley Gillespie in July of 1959. They spent over 59 wonderful years together. She and her family moved to Oklahoma in 1997, where they made their permanent home. She enjoyed doing mission work and once smuggled bibles into China. Elly was employed as as an LVN until her retirement and spent her spare time gardening, painting, and spending time with her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bruce Ariola; and sister, Shirley Hodges.
Survivors include her loving husband of the home, Dudley Gillespie; daughters, LeAnn Gillespie and Melanee Gillespie; two grandsons, John and Antonio Dickinson; sister, Lajuana Tucker along with many other extended family members and dear friends.
There are no formal services planned at this time.
Online condolences may be made to the family at brownsfuneralservice.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.
