Rebecca Turner Gillespie of Burnsville, NC passed away on January 1, 2025 in Chesapeake VA.
A proud North Carolinian and lifelong Methodist, Becky was born to Leighton Houston and Mildred Davis Turner on March 17 th , 1938. Raised in Pink Hill NC, Becky was the Valedictorian of the Pink Hill High School class of 1956. She met Charles Gillespie, her ‘Charlie Brown,’ while still in high school and they were married on June 9 th , 1957, just after she completed her freshman year at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC. They then lived in Raleigh where Charlie worked as a pharmacist until the day after her graduation in May of 1960, when they moved to Charlie’s hometown of Burnsville, NC. There, they purchased Pollard’s Drug store and their adventure truly began. While Charlie ran the drug store, Becky taught school for two years. On October 15 th , 1962 they received what Becky always referred to as “the surprise of her life,” identical twin boys! One of the greatest joys of Becky’s life was being a mother to Joe and Davis. She instilled a love of learning through reading of childhood classics and travel throughout the United States. When the boys were ten years old, Becky purchased “Ye Olde Fabric Shoppe” just feet away from Pollard’s Drug Store. She owned and operated the store for 15 years during which time the bestselling items were skirts with appliques designed and drawn by her husband, and quilts.
Throughout her life, Becky served her church and community with generosity and love. Becky and Charlie developed meaningful friendships with several other couples in Burnsville, with whom they made many annual trips together. She was an active volunteer and board member for The Parkway Playhouse. She was a long-time member of the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair Committee, and served as director of the annual event for several years in the 80’s and 90’s. Becky also served as a member of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. During their retirement years, Becky and Charlie made several trips to Louisiana to serve with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). These trips of service, and the friendships they formed there, were especially meaningful to both Becky and Charlie. Becky was also a member of the Mountain Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Ugly Quilts Club, PEO, and The Burnsville Women’s Club. A long-time member of Higgins United Methodist Church, Becky was a member of several UMW Circles, Sunday school classes, and a reliable volunteer.
A two-time cancer survivor, Becky met many challenges over the past few years with dignity and grace. She cherished her family and we will treasure our memories of “Miss Becky,” from watching her sew Halloween costumes, to making our favorite desserts, playing family games of “Spoon” and coordinating annual trips to Topsail Beach. We will also treasure the lessons she taught us, from never to make pimento cheese without Duke’s mayonnaise, to how to bathe a newborn, to the value of unconditional love. But most of all, we will remember her sense of humor, resilience, and how much she loved each of us.
Becky was married for 67 years to Charles Byrd Gillespie, who survives. A devoted mother, Becky is also survived by her sons Charles Joseph Gillespie and Leighton Davis Gillespie (Ruth), and six beloved grandchildren: Carter (Gary), Branin, Jake, Meg (Ashley), Alex (Fiona) and Turner. Becky’s younger brother L.H. Turner (Carolyn), and sister Debbie Dekle (Brent) also survive, as do two great grandsons and several nieces and cousins.
Visitation will be at Yancey Funeral Services (378 Charlie Brown Road, Burnsville NC) on Friday, January 17 th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
A Memorial Service will be held at Higgins Methodist Church (101 N Main Street, Burnsville NC) at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18th.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR): umcmission.org., or to Samaritan’s Purse: www.samaritanspurse.org.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
