Jimmie Allene (Lawrence) Gillespie was born June 28, 1924 in the Pleasant Hill Community of Latimer County, Oklahoma to James and Jennie (Reed) Lawrence. She passed away July 21, 2015 in Sherman, Texas at the age of 91 years and 23 days.

She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-five (65) years, C. C. Gillespie; her daughter, Mary Lea Gillespie; her infant son, Christopher Lee Gillespie; her parents, James and Jennie (Reed) Lawrence; her sisters: Alice Lawrence, Thelma Allen, and an infant sister; her brothers: Thomas Lawrence, Robert Lawrence, and Harold Lawrence.

Allene is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Floetta Gillespie of Sherman, Texas; her grandson, Chad Gillespie of Dallas, Texas; and her granddaughter and her husband, Krista and John Potter of Whitesboro, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Audrey Skimbo of Wilburton, her sister and brother-in-law, Jo Ann and Frank Back of Poteau; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Judy Lawrence of Wilburton; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Allene graduated from Panola High School in 1941 and was the class Salutatorian. She attended Eastern Oklahoma State College. She then attended Southeastern Oklahoma State College (now Southeastern Oklahoma State University) where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education and her Master’s Degree in Education. Allene was always serious about her education and was very proud of her academic success. She made only one “B” throughout her college years and graduated with honors from Southeastern.

Mrs. “G”, as she was referred to by her students, taught her entire 36 year career at Red Oak High School. She taught Business Education and was the yearbook and newspaper sponsor every year. She was an excellent teacher and pushed her students to be the best they could become. She was very proud of her students and had a positive influence on many of their lives. She was pleased with their successes, not only during high school; but in their adult lives as well.

Allene was an avid reader and enjoyed all types of books. Working crossword puzzles was another of her hobbies. She enjoyed watching the various sporting events at Red Oak. She also enjoyed watching Chris’ basketball teams and watching Chad’s and Krista’s athletic careers.

She was a member of the Red Oak First Baptist Church for seventy-three (73) years and served as Church Secretary for many of those years. She was an active and faithful member and enjoyed all Church activities.

She was also a member of Eastern Star and the Oklahoma Education Association for many years.

Allene was very proud of all of her family and of her heritage. She lived a productive ninety-one (91) years and she was very active until the last few years. Allene will be missed by all and will continue to influence future generations with her shared wisdom and laughter.

Services Friday, July 24, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Red Oak, Oklahoma with Rev. Johnny Montgomery and Rev. Sam Garner officiating. Interment to follow at the Red Oak Cemetery, Red Oak, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers: Walter Squires, Ronald Garner, Bill Garner, Vince Hiatt, Dewayne Mankin, I. T. Hankins.

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.