Mardene "DENE" Wallace Gillespie

Reflections

Mardene Gillespie was born March 23, 1946 in Marianna, AR to Levi and Sarah Wallace (preceded in death).  Mardene or “Dene” had three siblings, Levi Wallace and Lavern Brown, (both brothers preceded her in death) and her dear sister, Merlene Gipson, St. Louis, MO.  Mardene confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was a member of the Mt. Moriah MB Church under the leadership of E.R. Gaines.  Mardene answered God’s call on May 7, 2017 in Memphis, TN.

Mardene was a graduate of the 1964 class of Moton High School, Marianna, AR.  She was a faithful member of Greater Unity Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend James Bobo.

Mardene married Napoleon Gillespie and they remained lifelong friends.  To their union are four children, Ladonna (Lee) of Marianna, AR, Corey(Tonya), Maumelle, AR, Erica, Memphis, TN and Nevia, Conway, AR.

Mardene worked for the Lee County School District for 41 years.  Although she was recently retired, because of her love for children she continued to work as needed.

Mardene had many non biological children that were very dear to her heart.  Kirby Anderson and Jennifer (Miller) Johnson were two that she really took on the mother role. 

Mardene had many grandchildren and great grandchildren that she all loved equally with her BIG HEART.

"Dene" held her Sisters of the Rose of Sharon Singers very dear to her heart.  They traveled up and down the highways ministering in music for more than 43 years together, they were family. 

Mardene was affectionately referred to as “shouting John” because of her love and passion for Christ.  She just “couldn’t hold her peace.”  Mardene was loved and cherished by many.

She leaves to cherish her love, fun, cooking, her smile and her singing; Rev. Napoleon Gillespie, her loving children, her grandchildren, her beautiful sister, her In laws, her church family, other relatives and friends. 

Mom’s  Love for us

Lord thank you for giving me four children, Ladonna Gillespie-Morris, Corey Gillespie, Erica Gillespie-Glynn and Nevia Gillespie that love me.  I know I made some mistakes along the way.  I couldn’t afford some things you wanted, maybe I disciplined you too hard but it kept you out of trouble. One thing I’m pleased with you all accepted Christ.  You will always be my babies.  COVERED UNDER THE BLOOD OF JESUS.  Love you with my whole heart. Expressly written by Mardene Gillespie May 7, 2016

This was momma’s favorite verse Psalms 34:1     I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.And that you did mama!

Well done mama!

You did what was needed, you have given each one of us the very best in you.  We all possess the best qualities of you.  Although you are no longer here with us physically, your spirit lives on through us. So we say to you mama, rest and rejoice for your job well done….

Love your children.

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