With hearts filled with both sorrow and gratitude for a life richly lived, we celebrate the life and enduring legacy of Mrs. Cletonia “Toni” Gillespie, who peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by the unwavering love of her family.
Born and lovingly raised in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, Toni was the cherished daughter of Clifford “Pete” West and Annie Mae Gillespie. A proud graduate of Clarke High School, she embraced life’s opportunities with courage and determination, eventually relocating to Spring Valley, New York, where she began building a remarkable career dedicated to caring for others.
Possessing a compassionate spirit and a servant’s heart, Toni faithfully served for twenty years as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Rockland State Hospital in Orangeburg, New York. Never one to stop growing, she pursued higher education in healthcare, earning her degree and continuing her professional journey with VCU Health System in Richmond, Virginia. When her beloved mother’s health began to decline, Toni answered the call of family without hesitation, returning home to Tennessee to lovingly care for her. She later devoted another twenty years of distinguished service to WellCare Insurance Company, where she faithfully worked until her well-earned retirement.
While her professional accomplishments were many, those who knew Toni understood that her greatest joy was found in the moments that brought people together. She possessed an infectious smile, a competitive spirit, and an unmistakable zest for life. An accomplished semi-professional bowler, Toni traveled extensively competing in tournaments, earning numerous trophies and prize winnings that reflected both her remarkable talent and unwavering determination. Beyond the bowling lanes, she found joy in softball, shopping, decorating, and creating warm spaces where family and friends always felt welcomed and loved.
Above every accomplishment stood her greatest treasure—her family. Toni’s life was a beautiful reflection of unconditional love, steadfast devotion, and quiet strength. Her wisdom, encouragement, laughter, and unwavering presence became gifts that will continue to live within the hearts of those blessed to know her.
She was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Clifford “Pete” West and Annie Mae Gillespie; and her beloved brothers, Willie “Rabbit” Gordon and Maury Gillespie.
Her precious memory will forever be cherished by her loving children, Rodney Gillespie and Pamela Smith-Carr; her beloved grandchildren, Erica Gillespie, Danielle Smith, Kristen Smith, Jordan Gillespie, Laila Gillespie, Kaden Gillespie, all of Tennessee, and Robert Ocampo of California; her adored great-grandchildren, Ashton Harris, Annsley Harris, Kingsley Kennedy, Phoenyx Robinson, Prosper Robinson, Jerimah Gillespie, and Isiahan Southall; her dear siblings, Edward Gillespie, Mable (Milton) Riley, Christiana Brown, Erma Jean Fitzgerald, Ricky Gillespie, and Sandra Miller; together with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, treasured friends, and all whose lives were enriched by her kindness, strength, and enduring love.
Though her earthly journey has reached its peaceful conclusion, the legacy Mrs. Cletonia “Toni” Gillespie leaves behind cannot be measured by years alone. It is found in the lives she touched through her compassion, the family she so faithfully loved, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless memories that will continue to echo through generations. Her life reminds us that true greatness is not measured by titles or possessions, but by the love we freely give and the lives we faithfully serve.
https://www.roundtreenapierogilviefh.com
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter!