Lilli Gillespie

Lilli Gillespie, 91, of Columbia, died Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Born in Wohnbach, Germany, on December 31, 1934, she was the daughter of Adolph and Hedwig Gorr Kraft.

Lilli was preceded in death by her loving husband, Johnny Pope Gillespie, U.S. Army, Ret.; her parents, Adolph and Hedwig Kraft; sisters, Hilda Medler (Heinz) and Tony Rinker (Helmut); and brothers, Walter Kraft (Edith) and Hermann Kraft.

She will be dearly missed by her daughter, April Joy Gillespie; nephew, Helmut Medler (Marianne); daughter-of-the heart, Patricia Ann Young; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats.

Miss Lilli enjoyed her home and yard, gardening, watching hummingbirds, and caring for all her stray animals. She retired from J.C. Penney and had previously been employed with AAFES Stuttgart, Germany, and Allied Chemical.

She will be remembered for the love and care she showed to her family, her animals, and all the little things that brought her joy. Momma will always be with us.

The graveside service for Mrs. Gillespie will be held at 12:30 o'clock, Friday, October 2nd, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia. Visitation will be held prior to the service at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, from 11 until 12 o'clock.