BENTON — Serita Lorene Gillespie,

88 of Bryant passed away Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Heartland Rehabilitation and Care Center in Benton. Mrs. Gillespie was born July 2, 1934, in Fordyce, Ark., to the late Malcolm and Hazel Clement Gillespie. She worked for Lifeway Christian Stores, formally the Baptist Book Store, from September 1977 until she retired in November of 1997. She was a lead sales associate with the majority of her time spent working in the music department of the store. Upon retirement, she spent her days doing what she loved including taking care of her grandchildren, serving her church, First Southern Baptist Church, and being a faithful servant to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Even through her fight with Alzheimer’s disease, she continued to impact everyone she met with her happy disposition and wonderful smile.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Buckley “JB” Gillespie; three brothers, Aubrey Carroll, James Carroll, and Larry Carroll; and sister, Allene Grossman.

Survivors include three sons, Randy Gillespie of Houston, Texas, Joe Gillespie of Nashville, Tenn., and Jay (DeDe) Gillespie of Bryant; sister, Jan Woodall of Little Rock; six grandchildren, Morganne Gillespie, Hayden Lloyd, Cole (Kari) Gillespie, Tiernan Gillespie, Aynesley Gillespie, and Amber McCormick.

Graveside service is 1:30 p.m. Sunday, November 20, 2022, at Butler/Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Bro. Jim Lagrone officiating. There will be no formal visitation. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association: 11300 N Rodney Parham Rd, Suite 200, Little Rock, Ark. 72212.

Arrangements made by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net