Susan Wallace Gillespie

Susan Wallace Gillespie of Columbia, South Carolina, age 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 9, 2023. Susan was born in Bluefield, Virginia and she was raised in the Bluefield/Princeton, West Virginia area. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Eloise & Orville Wallace, sister Patricia Wallace and her husband, John Gillespie. She is survived by her brother Chuck Wallace, her three children, Beth Maki, Julie Peel (Wesley), and Matt Gillespie, five grandchildren, Chloe Maki, Chandler, Caroline, Luke, and John Peel, and many nieces and nephews.

Susan graduated from Princeton High School in Princeton, West Virginia in 1963. Shortly after high school graduation, Susan married the love of her life and high school classmate, John Gillespie. Early in their marriage, Susan and John settled down in Beckley, West Virginia to start their family. Susan was a member of the First Christian Church in Beckley where she was a youth group leader and girl scout leader. Susan was active in several civic organizations, including the Beckley Junior Women’s Club and Garden Club. She also enjoyed volunteering at her children’s schools, playing tennis, and bowling.

After moving to Columbia, South Carolina, Susan and John joined Salem United Methodist Church in Ballentine where she was an active member of the Cavin Circle of the United Methodist Women. Susan enjoyed a lifelong career in banking and served the banking needs of the Irmo community at First Palmetto Bank for many years.

Susan dedicated her life to her family. She was married to John until his death in 2010. But her greatest joy may have been spending time with her five grandchildren. She loved to have them come to her house for visits and taking them on various “field trips” in the Columbia area. They will greatly miss her.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 15 at 3:00 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street in Irmo, South Carolina, with visitation to follow. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community and Heart of Hospice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfuneralhomedutchfork.com for the Gillespie family.