Marie Hope Kearney Gillespie was born on March 23, 1938 in Brooklyn, New York, to
the late Paul L. Kearney and Ernestine Kearney. Marie was the youngest of two
children. Her older brother, Paul Jr. passed tragically at the age of sixteen.
Marie vividly remembers accepting Christ on Palm Sunday, 1947 at the Concord Baptist
Church in Brooklyn. She was subsequently baptized by Rev. Jerome D. Harris and
became active in a variety of Youth Programs at the Concord Baptist Church, including
Sunday School. Vacation Bible School, Girl Scouts, Baptist Youth Fellowship, the Youth
Choir, and the Concord Players.
Marie attended elementary and junior high school in Brooklyn and graduated from Girls
High School. She continued her education at Brooklyn College and later completed her
Graduate Studies at Pace University, where she received a Masters Degree in
Education-Supervision and Administration.
As a young adult, Marie met and married the love of her life, Silas Gillespie. They were
blessed with a handsome son, Rodney, and a beautiful daughter, Joi Seleste.
While providing her family with nurturing love and support; Marie pursued a teaching
career in the field of Home Economics. Marie taught Home Economics for 18 years
before advancing to Administrative/Supervisory Positions within the New York City
Board of Education, including Supervisor of Home Economics, Director of the Bureau of
Human Services-Home Economics and Health Careers; and finally, Director of
Occupational/Vocational Education for the Office of the Superintendent of Manhattan
High Schools. During this time, Marie also assumed leadership positions within the
Future Homemakers of America; now known as Family and Community Leaders of
America. She served as Chapter Leader and Chairperson of the Board of both the
National and State Organizations.
Upon her retirement from the New York City Board of Education, after 34 years of
service, Marie and Silas relocated to Buckingham County, Virginia. In 1996 Marie and
Silas united with the Fork Union Baptist Church. Marie was an active member and
served as a Deaconess, Sunday School Teacher, Member of the Food Distribution
Committee and Chairperson of the Missionary Ministry.
Marie was also involved in community initiatives in Buckingham County. Marie served
as the Coordinator of the Buckingham Schools Division ‘s Safe and Drug Free Schools
Program; where she established programs to ensure that youth have a safe and drug
free school and family life. Marie was instrumental in organizing a teen community
center, Teen Wings, Inc. and the Buckingham Alliance for Youth. Marie was also a

Charter Member of the Buckingham Red Hatters. For her work in the community, Marie
received the Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Alpha Phi Alpha Community Service Awards.
Marie loved to travel, entertain, and socialize. As long as her health permitted, she
travelled to places near and far, as a professional educator and tourist; or just to visit
friends and relatives. Her homes in Brooklyn and Buckingham were often filled with
friends and family members, who were invited over for Marie’s delicious home- cooked
meals, card games, and fun times.
Marie’s other interests, talents and accolades are too many to list here. She will always
be remembered as a Servant Leader, who utilized her many God Given Skills and
Talents to benefit others.
Marie entered into eternal rest on October 27, 2026.
Marie was predeceased by her parents, Ernestine and Paul J. Kearney, her Brother
Paul, Jr. and her husband, Silas Gillespie.
Marie is survived by her Son Rodney; her Daughter Joi Seleste; her Grandchildren-
Zachary, Kharis and Sterlynn; her Great Grandchildren-Eden, Hunter and Ari; her
Devoted Cousins Margeret and Clinnis Dudley and a host of Nieces. Nephews, friends
and relatives who will miss her tremendously.