Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…”
Nadine Vivian King Gillespie, 72, of Wake Forest, died peacefully at home surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Norfolk, VA, the daughter of the late Bruce H. King and Mabel N. King. She graduated from East Carolina University in 1969 with a degree in Education and married her ‘college sweetheart’ (Tom). After marriage, her husband commissioned as an Air Force officer; they enjoyed living all over the country and even Japan over a duration of 22 years of active service. As a military wife and mother, she was the ‘backbone’ of the family. Although she endured countless moves, transitions, separations and numerous challenging situations, she was ever-present for her family with compassion, unconditional love and unwavering support. Upon retirement they settled in Raleigh, NC. She then enjoyed many years working at Ravenscroft School.
Nadine spent years of her life as an educator, but also as a stay-at-home Mom. She could often be found spending her time volunteering at her children’s school as the ‘lunch room lady’ and also as their homeroom Mom. She always volunteered to bake goods and donate items for her children’s schools and activities. Church community was important to her and she spent her time in bible study classes as well as small groups. She described herself as “someone who was quiet, but liked to have fun.” She enjoyed going to the beach and taking her children and grandchildren to the pool and local parks, as well as museums and theater. She was known for always keeping her freezer stocked with bread to feed the ducks and the trunk of her car filled with juice boxes for her grandkids. She attended every play, performance, graduation and sporting activity of her children and grandchildren and was one of their biggest ‘cheerleaders.’
Nadine will always be remembered as a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her favorite joys in life were her children and grandchildren.
She was the embodiment of unconditional love, courage, kindness and heartfelt generosity. Her love for her Lord and Savior was on display for all who were blessed to have known her. Advice she would like to pass on, “Try to be forgiving. Energy spent on hatred is wasted energy.”
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Nadine’s care team at UNC hospitals as well as Wake County Hospice for their gentle and loving care and treatment they provided. She is survived by her mother, Mabel King, and her brothers Bruce and Patrick King; son, Thomas Brent Gillespie; daughter, Allison Gillespie King and husband, Allen; daughter, Joy Gillespie, and grandchildren: Corbin Gillespie, Cassie Gillespie, Skyler Gillespie, Liam Lasher, and Carter Gillespie.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 19 at 2:00pm at Raleigh Memorial Park. All those in attendance are requested to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18