Helen Coulson Gillespie

Helen Coulson Gillespie, age 82, of Edgewood, MD, died on January 24, 2009 at her home. Helen was born September 26, 1926 in West Virginia. She was the fourth child of Lucy Texas (Harris) Coulson and Barney Stanford Coulson. During WWII, Helen moved to Maryland. While living in Bel Air, she met her future husband, Russell Lawrence Gillespie ("Larry"), who was in the U.S. Navy. In support of the war effort, Helen was employed at Edgewood Arsenal, where she initially worked as a filing clerk and a messenger in the Finance Office. She later worked there in factories and on assembly lines making military machine parts. She said she did not always know what she was making or how the parts would be used, but she realized she was doing her part and supporting the U.S. servicemen who were fighting overseas. Helen and Larry were married in Winston Salem, NC on October 31, 1944, and the next day Larry had to return to his U.S. Navy ship and deploy. After the war, they moved to Edgewood, MD where their three children, Russell Lawrence Gillespie Jr., Sheila Tessa Gillespie, and Teresa Carol Gillespie, were born. During her married life, Helen was a full time homemaker. She loved working with Larry in their flower and vegetable gardens. Later in life, she limited her gardening to the planters and flower boxes that Larry had placed on their front porch for her. She was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and was a member of various committees. Helen is affectionately known as "Hon" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen always said she felt her greatest achievement in life was raising her children who grew into independent, responsible citizens who have strong work ethics. She is survived by her husband, their three children and five grandchildren; Matthew Kron, Paul Kron, Aimee Gillespie, Kelli Wolfe, and Casey Gillespie. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Quinton Kron, Travis Beck, Roland Beck, Molly Wolfe, Abby Wolfe, and Jackson Wolfe.

Pallbearers were Jimmy Lagan, Tom Lagan, Richard Kron, Paul Kron, Matthew Kron, and Jerry Workinger. Honorary pallbearers were Robert R. James and James Wallace.

Those who desire may contribute to Upper Chesapeake / St. Joseph's Home Hospice Program, 8003 Corporate Drive, Suite G, Nottingham, MD 21236.