Obituary of Bridget E. Richards Gillespie
Bridget E. Richards Gillespie, 69, of Fairmont, passed away in her home on October 22, 2024. She was born on October 25, 1954 in Bangor, Maine, a daughter of Jacqualine J. and the late Leon R. Richards. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Leonard C. Gillespie, Sr.
She graduated from East Fairmont High School in 1972 with honors and graduated from Apostolic Bible Institute in Minnesota with a bachelor degree in 1975, WV, and had graduated with a LPN nursing degree from Tech ED in Morgantown, WV. She was a devoted Pastors wife for 48 years, as well as a musician, and Secretary and treasurer at Apostolic Christian Temple in Fairmont, WV. Bridget was a teacher and the administrator for ACT Academy and she served as the Ladies Auxiliary President for A.H.F. of J.C.
She was a loving wife and mother, a devout Christian who Loved our Lord Jesus Christ. She loved church, spending time with her family, and her dog Sweetie. On her free time, she enjoyed Crocheting, walking, berry picking, gardening, reading, and horseback riding. She loved outdoors, kayaking, swimming, and finding sea shells.
In addition to her mother and husband, she is survived by her daughter, Rachel Glaspell and her husband Bradley, of Fairmont, daughter, Rebekah Anyanwu and her husband, Solomon of Fairmont, daughter, Joy Huffman and her husband Brandon, of Fairmont, daughter Sarah Cleveland and her husband Kevin of Fairmont, and son, Leonard Christopher Gillespie Jr and his wife Brooke of Fairmont, Son, David Forsyth, daughter, Katrina Forsyth, son, Chris Poling, and son, David Lytle, brother Brian Richards and his wife Rachel of Fairmont, 19 Grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Bethany Sawitski, brother Mark Richards, and son Dustin Forsyth.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. Friends will be received in the funeral home on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 4p.m. until 8p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Apostolic Christian Temple, 464 Viola Road, Fairmont, WV, 26554 from 9a.m. until 10a.m. A funeral Service will be held in the Apostolic Christian Temple on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 10a.m. with Reverend Samuel Bounds officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Westover, WV. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.
