Alfreda Gillespie

With profound love and deep gratitude, we celebrate the life and legacy of Alfreda Rosemary Gillespie, who departed this life on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. She was 74 years of age. Born on August 8, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Moses and Leola Cook, Alfreda lived a life filled with purpose, joy, and an unwavering commitment to her family, her students, and her community. She graduated from Simeon High School in 1969 and earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Loyola University in 1973, later continuing her studies at Indiana University.

In 1973, she was united in marriage to Lee Gillespie and together they raised two children, Al Henderson and Zondra Gillespie, building a family rooted in love, faith, and laughter. In 1976, the family relocated to South Bend, Indiana, where Alfreda became the first African American teacher and volleyball coach at North Liberty School. She later taught in the South Bend Community Schools before expanding her career as a trainer and supervisor for the former Signature Group in South Bend, in Texas and in Florida. Upon returning to Indiana, she continued to share her passion for education as a professor at Ivy Tech College, teaching English and Early Childhood Development.

Education was her calling, but Alfreda’s love for learning was matched by her devotion to her family and her community. She cherished time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren — whether through arts and crafts, gardening, dancing, singing karaoke, or exploring museums, amusement parks, and zoos.

         Alfreda generously gave of her time, love, and wisdom to the world around her. She was active in Mamas Against Violence, South Bend Civic Theater, Robinson Learning Center, Charles Martin Youth Center, the City of South Bend-Citizen Member for the Community Relations Committee for the office of the City Clerk 2013-2014 and 2018-2019, Ark Angels Inc.: Atomic Success Movement video, Foster Grandparent through Real Services, Seeds of Caring: Helping Hands Children's  Garden: a garden she started with at-risk youth; she was featured in the South Bend Tribune show casing the Garden,  the National Able Senior Aides Program, Volunteer Receptionist for The South Bend Heritage Foundation, Catholic Charities, and First Presbyterian Church and various outreach programs for at-risk youth, neighborhood development, literacy initiatives, and the YWCA. She also dedicated countless hours volunteering with St. Margaret’s House where each year, she guided groups of many during the Winter Walk, sharing warmth and laughter. She often reminded others that “walking with the brokenhearted is better than sitting with the great.” 

         Alfreda leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children Al Henderson and Zondra (Danny) Quinn; 15 grand-children: Tyrie (Angel), Diona, Alexis (Alex), Ayana, Aldrenon, Aldrenona, Za'Nae, Anika, Alana, Danya', Alijah, Ali, Alandis, Av'ree and Al'Lee; 10 great grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth Cook; one nephew, Kenneth Cook Jr.; a son-in-love Bryan; grandsons-in-love, Danny, Darion, and Dae’Quan; her first husband, Lee (Jean) Gillespie; along with a host of relatives, friends, colleagues, and many others whose lives she touched.  She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, a granddaughter, Anika; a grandson, Alonzo; great grandson, Zion Daniel Lee and Cousins Diana and Zip.

Alfreda was the life of every gathering — her laughter, energy, and love lit up every room she entered. Though her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her legacy of education, service, and love will continue to bloom in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

Thank you to family and friends who have gathered to honor her extraordinary journey and the countless ways she gave of herself. We greatly appreciate the many acts of kindness expressed to us in passing of our beloved mother. Her life was truly a gift, and her memory will forever remain a blessing.

Memorial Service September 27, 2025

1:30PM 

Laymen Chapel CME

Family Gathering 1:15PM

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alfreda Gillespie, please visit our floral store.