Eva Lee Jones Gillespie

Eva Lee Jones Gillespie, age 96 of Greenville, SC and formerly of Ridgeland, SC and Savannah, GA passed away on Monday, December 7, 2015 in the St. Francis Hospital, downtown Greenville. Eva Lee was born in Hemp, Georgia on March 24, 1919 to the late Edgar M. Garrison and Stella Stuart Garrison. Eva was first married to Elbert "Jonesy" Jones, Co-owner of the City Cleaners in Ridgeland. They met during World War II when he was serving in the U.S Navy and she was supporting our country working at the U.S Navy Depot in Norfolk, VA. A resident of Ridgeland, SC for 22 years, Eva received Jasper County's "Woman of the Year" award in recognition of career advancement, civic participation, and religious activity. She was a distinguished educator, dedicated member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Order of Eastern Star, and the Business and Professional Women's Club. She loved flowers, was blessed with a "green thumb" and was active in the Jessamine Garden Club. In 1972 she married Vincent Gillespie and moved to Savannah, GA where she continued her community and church activities. She held leadership positions in White Bluff United Methodist Church, the Homemakers Club, and the Bethel Burton Community Club. While there she was inducted into the P.E.O. Sorority. Always a gracious hostess, she enjoyed welcoming friends and family to her home. In 2001, Eva moved to Greenville, SC to live with her daughter and she continued her journey with Christ as a dedicated member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. A devoted grandmother, she also became "Nana" to many outside the family who were dear to her. She remained young at heart, devoted to family and friends, and continued to teach little life lessons. "Nana Stories" continue to be cherished memories by all who loved her. Eva Lee is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Jones-Wham of Greenville, SC; one brother in law, Dr. Charles Funderburk of Tallassee, AL; three grandchildren Charles Stone (Javy) of Atlanta, GA, Jason Wham (Jennifer) of Greenville, SC and Julie Kirby (Adam) of Atlanta, GA; and three great grandchildren, Caroline Kirby of Atlanta and Emily Wham and Andrew Wham both of Greenville, SC, step children and grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends. Eva Lee was preceded in death by her husbands, Elbert W. Jones and Vincent Gillespie and her brother, E. Maxwell Garrison. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Sauls Funeral Home, 310 W. Adams St., Ridgeland with a memorial service at 3:00 pm. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Sauls Funeral Home, 310 W. Adams St., Ridgeland with a memorial service at 3:00 pm.