REV. CLABORNE GILLESPIE

                  Remembering the Life Journey of Claborne Gillespie

Claborne Gillespie was born on September 14, 1954, in Marianna, Arkansas to the parents of Oshian Sr. and Rosie Lee (Hoskins) Gillespie. He confessed his love for the Lord at an early age under the leadership of Reverend JD Davis at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist in Oak Forest, Arkansas.

He moved to Little Rock and joined Macedonia Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend JN Young. He united with Second Baptist church in the 80’s where he served as an usher, and a deacon. In 1999 Claborne, united with First
Baptist of Woodson and became an ordained minister. He later returned to Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Kevin A. Kelly working full time on the Pastoral Staff as the Outreach Minister, where he served until his health began to decline.

During his lifetime he was active in the community, he served on the board at The C.A.L.L., he volunteered at Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Claborne also ministered at the nursing home, the Salvation Army, and fed the homeless, he attended many training sessions and conferences.

Claborne attended Lee Sr. High School up until the 11 th grade where he joined the workforce in Memphis, Tennessee doing construction work. In 1977 he obtained his high school diploma under the school seal of American School Chicago, Illinois.

Later in life he married the love of his life Zenobia, whom he had known since childhood. Claborne and Zenobia married on March 15,1974. Within this union they were blessed with one beautiful daughter Monica Denise Gillespie.

Claborne Gillespie, affectionately known as “Big G” or “G” begin working at Armstrong Rubber Company (which was later called Pirelli Tire) for more than 30 years until retirement. While at Pirelli he served as Union president for a few years. During this time Claborne began working with his uncles and brother at Gillespie Brothers Funeral. Claborne and his brother, the late Oshian Jr. later fulfilled ownership of the family business. Over the years Claborne served many families and friends.

On Saturday, March 15,2025, Claborne departed this life peacefully at home. Claborne was a great father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, three brothers, Lee, Napoleon, and Oshian Jr. Gillespie.

Leaving a legacy of Love, Faith, and Dedication to his lovely Wife of 51 years, Zenobia. Daughter, Monica of Dallas, TX. Bonus daughters Rosalyn Gillespie and Tywana Allen both of Little Rock. God Children, Pastor Kevin A. Kelly (Vickie). Grandchildren, Nicole Jackson (Dominique), Brittany Crayton(Brian), and Erica Dortch (Cordelle). Eleven Siblings, Rosetta Gillespie, Alice S. Dedmon, Irene J. Gillespie, Evelyn Allen (William), Julia Bell Gillespie, Minnie E. Gillespie, Ira J. Gillespie, Natta L. Gill, Winnie K. Gillespie, Ollie G. Gillespie, and Quester Quarles (Charlie). A host of God Children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

KELLY SMITH FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES (8424 Kanis Road * 501-612-5607) will be serving the GILLESPIE families. For more information, plant a Living Memorial Tree, sign online guest register, send flowers/cards/condolences/photos/gifts and light an "In Loving Memory Of" candle (complete service information will also appear in Wednesday's obituary) WWW.KELLYSMITHFUNERALS.COM (TO THE GILLESPIE FAMILY, THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING THE RELATIONSHIP TO CONTINUE WITH OUR FAMILY AND YOUR FAMILY WHICH ACTUALLY BEGAN IN THE EARLY 1970s  THEN TO JOIN TOGETHER IN SERVING FAMILIES IN 2014, AND BEYOUND. BUT MOST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING OUR FAMILY/STAFF TO CARE FOR REV. CLABORNE GILLESPIE)

*** SPECIAL NOTES ***  

Scroll down for  "SERVICE DETAILS",   to get updated time and location information. (The Wake, family hour and gathering of family and friends CAN mean all the same in some circumstances, PLEASE read "SERVICE DETAILS" to be correctly informed) 

Click on the     "TRIBUTE WALL (or GUEST BOOK)" button,  to LIGHT A CANDLE,  to ADD and SEE all photos, videos, and Words of sentiment.   Click on a photo to enlarge it. Then click the L or R arrow to see all photos. 

Click on the     "FLOWERS & GIFTS" button,  SO THAT YOU CAN SEND FLOWERS/CARDS/BLANKETS/GIFTS/PLANT A MEMORIAL TREE .  

Click on the     "DONATIONS" button,  IF YOU DESIRE TO GIVE TO A FAVORITE CHARITY .  

WE WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO CONTINUE TO LIGHT A CANDLE, UPLOAD PHOTOS AND SEND WORDS OF SENTIMENT ON THIS MEMORIAL PAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAYS, MONTHS AND YEARS TO COME. ESPECIALLY, DURING DAYS OF SPECIAL EVENTS, i.e. BIRTHDAYS, HOLIDAYS, ANNIVERSARY AND THEN ON DAYS WHEN YOU JUST WANT TO SAY SOMETHING TO OR ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONES FOR NO SPECIAL REASON.  (DESIGN AND COLORS CAN BE CHANGED)

THIS MEMORIAL PAGE WILL REMAIN ON OUR WEBSITE INDEFINITELY. DO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS AND PHOTOS WITH THE FAMILY, THEY WILL APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH.  

(We would also appreciate it if you will RATE us, on GOOGLE, and leave a comment on "TESTIMONIAL PAGE" of this MEMORIAL PAGE of your loved one)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of REV. CLABORNE GILLESPIE, please visit our floral store.