Our Experienced Staff

Each of the staff members at Ivy K. Gillespie Memorial Chapel is committed to providing your family with the finest in personal end-of-life care. In fact, for years, it’s been comforting for area families to know that we are available to help at any time of the day or night.

When a loved one dies, all you need to do is make one phone call. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind.

Please take a few minutes to get to know our funeral home staff. We’re sure you’ll find each of us to be all that you would hope for in a trusted funeral professional.
 

Sherman Gillespie, Founder/Owner Mr. Gillespie received his diploma in Mortuary Science from the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois in 1973 and an Associates of Arts from Grand Rapids Junior College in 1975.     Mr. Gillespie is a strong believer in giving back to his community and this was the perfect platform in which to do so. Mr. Gillespie founded Gillespie Funeral Services, Inc. in 1986 with his wife, Ivy K. Gillespie at their first location, 1204 Eastern Ave SE.  Together they ran the day to day operations to offer the community in which they lived and went to church a place that would serve them with dignity and compassion.  All with the hopes of growing a prosperous business they could hand down to their children. "It is my hope that we will continue in our progress to help in the development of our youth to their potential.  We must always remember that someone took the time to aid in our own development."

Sian S.D. Gillespie, Funeral Director/Manager/ Head of Business Operations Email: mrsiangillespie@yahoo.com Office Phone: 616-241-5665 Fax: 616-241-5247 Sian is a second generation funeral director.  Sian is a graduate of University of Phoenix Business School, with a Bachelors in Business Management.  Sian is also a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science.  Sian is also trained and certified in cremation and crematory operations.  Over 25 years of experience working in the funeral business under his father, Sherman D. Gillespie, founder and owner of the business.

Angela Gillespie, Office Coordinator/ Accounts Director Email: Angelagillespie2@yahoo.com Website: ikgillespie.com Office Phone: 616-241-5665 Fax: 616-241-5247 Angela Gillespie is a graduate of Ultimate Medical Academy, graduating with an Associates degree in Bookkeeping and Billing. Angela is also trained and certified as a Business Office Coordinator and has over 10 years of experience.

Brooke Gillespie, Family Services/ Arrangements Specialist Email: ivykgillespiemc@gmail.com Website: ikgillespie.com Office Phone: 616-241-5665 Fax: 616-241-5247 Brooke Gillespie is in the process of receiving her Bachelors in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.  Brooke has 15 years experience serving the community in the funeral business under the leadership of her father, Sherman D. Gillespie and brother, Sian S.D. Gillespie.

Darnell LaGrone, Funeral Assistant/Support Staff Team Leader Office Phone: 616-241-5665 Fax: 616-241-5247 Darnell LaGrone has been apart of the staff at Ivy K. Gillespie Memorial Chapel working alongside Sherman Gillespie for over 25 years.  Mr. LaGrone is a pillar in the community and a great asset to the team.  His experience is invaluable and well appreciated.

Robert Brown, Support Staff