Mary Jane Gillispie
Mary Jane Gillispie, 80, of Santa Fe, passed away August 31, 2021 in Houston. Mary was born July 19, 1941 to Willie Raye and Lum Perry Hollan in Thrall, TX. Mary worked for Mainland Center Hospital for 30+ years prior to becoming a professor at San Jacinto College for 27 years. Mary loved teaching so much she retired 3 times. Mary was a member of the Aldersgate Praise Team and a loyal member of the Chocolate Bayou Cowboy Church in Alvin. She took pride in belonging to Backpack Buddies, and working with the Galveston County 4H Extension Office. In her spare time, she loved to travel, especially cruises, playing cards, Bunco, Canasta, or just being with her friends and family. Mary was loved by everyone she met.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Douglas Eugene Gillispie, sisters Shirley Ryan and Joanna Rubio, and brother Kenneth Hollan and his wife Brenda.
Mary leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter Darla Gillispie Espinoza and husband David; grandchildren Alyssa (Nicholas) Tibaldo, Victoria (Jason Silvas) Espinoza, Allegra Castillo, and Alaina Brownfield; great-grandchildren Loralye Tibaldo, and Dawson Tibaldo; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
In her honor a visitation will be held 5:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, September 9, 2021, with funeral services 2:00 PM, Friday, September 10, 2021, at Crowder Funeral Home Dickinson, Texas. Interment will follow at Galveston Memorial Park, Hitchcock, Texas.
In accordance to Mary’s wishes memorial donations may be made to Chocolate Bayou Cowboy Church (6808 county road 172 Alvin,TX 77511) or Backpack Buddies (PO Box 384 Santa Fe, TX 77510).
My heart, thoughts and prayers go to all who loved Mary. Especially to her family, I know how much they meant to her. The sun is less bright today due to her passing. She will be missed by all that knew her. Love and prayers, Gayle Burgin
Mary was a wonderful woman with a wonderful voice.
She will be forever missed.
Hugs and prayers to the family.
Mary was a wonderful woman with a lovely voice.
She will be greatly missed.
Love, hugs and prayers for the family.
Mary was a wonderful colleague and friend. She was the consummate professional. May the memory of Mary be a blessing to her Family, and to all who knew her.
My condolences to Mary’s family and friends. Her kindness to me will always be remembered. It was truly an honor that our paths crossed while teaching. She was an amazing woman!
LaMonda Hopman
My Dearest Mary,
You were a bright and shinning light in my world. For me my dear Friend , everything around you sparked and gleamed. I will miss your beautiful smile and all of that positive energy you carried. Your were a wonderful role model, mentor, friend, teacher, sister, mother, grandmother, co -worker, Woman of God and simply just a wonderful wonderful person. My heart is broken in two with the loss of you. Mary you will surly be truly missed and never forgotten. I do take all confidence in knowing that as the Devout Christian Woman of God that you are, I know for sure that you are resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus The Christ, and this is my only comfort. So take your rest my dearest Mary bye for now, until we meet again. I love your dearly and will I miss your always.
It was an honor and privilege to work with Mary Gillispie. She taught us many things over the years , especially the importance of faith, family and friends. Everyone loved Mary, especially the nursing students she taught . She will truly be missed . My condolence to her family.
What an honor to have known Mary for many years as we taught together at San Jacinto College School of Nursing. My condolences go out to Darla and the rest of the family. I pray the that the Lord give you peace during this time.
So sad, to just now learn of the passing, of Mrs. Mary Gillespie. Mary epitomized the professional Registered Nurse and Nursing Faculty. It was my privilege to work with her during my time at San Jacinto College, School of Nursing. Mary was beloved by both nursing students and nursing faculty co-workers. Mary Gillespie was a wealth of knowledge, resources, and information when it came to teaching nursing. Nursing education is poorer for her passing..