Biography: Miriam Ruth Smith Gillespie died on Sunday, June 17 surrounded by her family. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, June 19 at 11 a.m. The family will greet friends afterward at a reception in the church’s Second Hall. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Alex Tharp Gillespie, children Cathe Talpas and her husband John, of El Dorado, Alex Gillespie of Bentonville and Neil Gillespie of Little Rock. Mim is survived by her grandson, Stephan Lindall (Brother) Nipper Jr. of Fayetteville and granddaughters, Mimi Gavigan and her husband Mike, Abby Considine and her husband Michael, Mary Tharp Talpas and Brianna Ruth Gillespie. Every day she gave thanks that she was able to be a part of her grandchildren’s lives and to live to hold and love her precious great granddaughters, Abigail James Gavigan and Madelyn Feild Considine. Mim is also survived by her brother Bernard Smith and his wife Ruth of Dublin, Mississippi and her nieces Susan Jordan and Mimi Burke. She was a devoted member of Second Presbyterian Church, a deacon and a member of the pastoral care committee. Miriam was active in 20th Century Club, PEO at Second Presbyterian Church and was a tireless volunteer for Helping Hand and the Stewpot. She was a member of the Country Club of Little Rock. Miriam was born in Jonestown, Mississippi to B.K. and Susie Barlow Smith, who preceded her in death. She was one of 13 graduates at Jonestown High School, where many would not know that she was on the basketball team. She graduated with a degree in piano from Newcomb College at Tulane University in New Orleans where she was a member of the Rho Chapter of Chi Omega. She still has the little silver trophy cup that reads “Miriam Smith, Best Chi Omega Pledge, 1943-1944”. Miriam and Tharp married in Jonestown, and with Tharp being a doctor in the Navy, they then moved to various bases on assignment, eventually settling for good in Little Rock. After Tharp’s retirement, they enjoyed the time they spent on missionary work in Africa. Miriam especially loved playing the piano for the children.at the missions in other countries. Music was her way to touch all people and share her love of songs. During the Christmas season, friends and family would gather at her house around the piano and sing Christmas carols. Her life centered around her church and her faith in God. She trusted in the Lord for all things in her and her family’s life. Throughout her life she was a person many people would look to for guidance and support. With Miriam, the needs of the other person were the most important focus and her needs came last. She would always be more interested in her friends life and was always gracious and a great listener. Throughout her illness, her faith in God never wavered. Family, fellow church members, and countless friends were touched over the years by Miriam’s selfless nurturing and caring words and deeds, and she will be dearly missed by us all. She was a person who never wanted any credit for good works, and only wanted the glory for God. As a mother, she was the cornerstone of the family who knew everything and would always tell her family how much she loved us. There was never a time when she was too busy to help and yet was hesitant to ask for help. Her sense of humor was kind and funny for her entire life. She had a way of making a person feel like they were the only person who mattered. Her kindness crossed all barriers of people and touched so many lives. She will be truly missed. Many friends and especially her family will not be the same without her but now know Miriam had a life that God will say “well done my good and faithful servant”. In lieu of flowers we ask that you send a card, visit, or take a meal to a friend who is sick, something Mother would have done. Memorials may be sent to the Medical Benevolence Foundation, 3100 S. Gessner, Suite 210, Houston, Texas 77215, or to Second Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
I was saddened to learn of Mrs. Gillespie's death. She was such a sweet lady and so kind to Alex's friends when we were growing up. I loved learning the details of her wonderful life, reading the obituary that my own mother mailed me.
Curiously, I pursued a career in Navy Medicine from which I retired here in Rhode Island. I relate to your family at that level.
I pray that God comforts you all during this difficult time. I have great confidence that Mrs. Gillespie is in a better place.
Sincerely,
Charley Collins