Iona Gillespie
Iona Gillespie was born in Clarendon, Jamaica on September 25th, 1933 to Merdella Graham and Duncan McNeil. Iona was the eldest of 13 children. Her formal education ended at Good Hope primary school in St. Catherine, where she started the university of life, learning skills that would prove most beneficial in later years.
She married her first love Lebert Gillespie and together, they produced thirteen children: Neville (Patsy), Michael (Elaine), Morris, Simone, Junita (deceased), Beresford (Deanery), Elaine (Delroy), Evor (Camille), Annmarie (Neville), Denise (Crosdale), Devon (Tracey), Bruce (deceased), Warren (deceased) and Dawn. Their large family also included two stepchildren: Stanley and Beverly Gillespie.
When asked about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Iona would proudly reply “Like the sands of the sea.” She was in fact the proud grandmother to 32 grandchildren, 9 step grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and 13 step great grandchildren.
She was a dedicated baptized Christian in the Straight Gate Apostolic Church in Jamaica, where she served faithfully for over 50 years.
In August 1995, Iona and her husband migrated to the USA, where she became apart of an even larger family. She was a member of the Pentecostals of Boston church pastored by Rev. Stephen Mack. Iona was a woman of strong faith and wisdom. She lived an exemplary Christian life; she was kind, loving, joyful, gentle, patient, and peaceful. Affectionately called, “mama” or “sister Iona”, she was truly a mother figure to many including those she welcomed in the family over the years.
Funeral service in the Pentecostals of Boston, 1205 Hyde Park Avenue, Hyde Park, Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 am. Visitation at the church from 9-10 AM. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Friday 4-8 pm. Interment Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Avenue, Boston.
Guestbook Entries
Dearest grandmother, you are truly loved by your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters, brothers, church family and many more! May you rest in heavenly peace.
We love you mama
I must say a heart felt condolence to the bereaved Gillespie family. I pray your strength through this time of grief. The good Lord of heaven comforts you and provides peace for you all. God bless you.
My loving grandma is resting peacefully🌹…her work here in this world is done Thanks for all you’ve done in birthing and raising 13 children along with scores of grandchildren who’re now great contributors to society💪. Well done grandma, we honor you🙏❤
Miss Iona, my second mother…you will always live on in my memories. As I young girl, I travelled with you to various churches, until we settled at the then Refuge Temple, now Straight Gate Apostolic. Those good old days will never be forgotten. With the sun beating down, we two travelled uphill & downhill to and from church in Red Ground, over a mile away. You were my mom’s best friend; never had an argument; those types of friendship are extremely rare. How can I forget seeing you sweeping the yard as well as along the roadway outside your gate in the mornings; one would’ve thought you were employed to the Public Works Department. Saying good morning to you, was a joy as you would respond loudly, pleasantly and with a smile : ” morning mi pickney, how you do?” You were a woman of discipline, with strict principles; you weren’t daunted with the task is raising so many children, especially the boys. You put them in their places when you needed to. They knew when they were in trouble. Hearing their full names being belted over what may have sounded like a microphone, sent shivers down their spines, I supposed. I used to love hearing: “ELAINE JOY GILLESPIE”; straight away I feared for Elaine whom I called Hillman Minx then. Reason being, Elaine always fled to the hills to try and escape a whipping.
However, when the Cat’s away, as children, we played….jumping all over the bed in the back room but by the time Miss Iona got home, everything was spotless and the faces looking back at her were filled with innocence.
I also kept hearing her testimonies in church, her opening quote was : around the throne of God in heaven, thousands of children stand, children whose sins are all forgiven, a holy, happy band”. Miss Iona, Miss Yoan, sister Gillespie, you are now with that holy, happy, band. Sing, dance, shout for joy…youve fought a good fight, you’ve finished the course and you’ve kept the faith…a crown of life awaits you.
Oh how I wish I wad there to stand beside your casket, just to have a ‘last’ look at the Stalwart, the Rock of such a string family. I love you Mother G. Thanks for taking me along with you to church..today I’m very proud to be called a child of God, a christian of which I am not ashamed. There’s so much more to be said but I’ll save it all until we meet again. There we will part no more and we can reminisce on the good old days because I really wanted to ask you how you managed to cook so much food in one go and never left out any of the kids when dishing out. Anyway, as I said, that’s for later.
Walk good Miss Joan! Tell mom (Alice) I missed her but don’t tell her Fatta died. Thats between you and I.
Rest In Peace ‘mother’. Children, grand and great grand, other relatives; cry if you need to, it’s not a sin but I would encourage you all, to walk the path this patriarch walked…you will never go wrong and you will have the privilege of seeing her again.
Stay strong you all.
Lots of love from Sister Bev🙏🙏🙏🙏
Dear Dawn,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mum. You and she were so lucky to have had years living with each other and to have shared so many memories. Remember, she will be with you always. Sending prayers and hugs to you, your dad, and your beautiful sons.
Love, Marian
I really missed Mama Gillespie. She was really a woman of honour. I enjoyed her smile. I will see her in heaven.
My best friend Elaine your mom is gone she is my second mom too ; I can remember back then when you were all in Jamaica in the good times and bad . I just want to say cheer up tears is a language God understands don’t weep as if you have no hope we will meet her in the earth made new , love you all keep strong the Lord will see you through.
Mama
You will be truly missed. You were such a blessing in many lives. Always encouraging, always inspiring.
We met years ago and we never left out each other even though things took a different turn but God knows best.
Truly a woman after God’s own heart. I know you are with JESUS.
You fought the good fight now you are in paradise.
Sleep on until we meet again.
Tell God hello for me.
Love
Celia
Love you Always Mama
Condolences to Mr. Lee and the rest of the family
I remember Miss Iona growing up as a child.
Mama it’s one year now that you left us on heart. How is Haven it must be beautiful. Everyone is ok . I miss you