Irene Gillespie 91 of Irvine, KY passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family following a brief battle with cancer. Irene was a beloved mother, mamaw, great mamaw and great great mamaw. She was a loving and fierce protector of her family, and a sweet and caring friend to many.

Known by many as "Mamaw" and "More Mamaw", she was quick to offer a meal, a shoulder and a helping hand to anyone who needed it. She enjoyed late night episodes of Golden Girls, and sitting on her porch with her family, watching the hummingbirds and speculating.

Irene was greeted in heaven by her Lord and savior on September 9th, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents Park and LouAnn Johnson, her loving husband, Orville Gillespie, her daughter and best friend, Teresa and son in law Chuck Reynolds, as well as her grandson Roger Dale Doyle Jr., great granddaughter Mackenzie Faucett, and many other family members and friends. She is survived by her daughters Debbie Watson (Jerry), Lisa Stearman (Terry), Pamela Spradling (Eddie) and Janet Stepp (Steve), along with many special grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors with the funeral immediately following at Lewis Funeral Home in Irvine on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at noon, funeral services will be at 2:00pm followed by a graveside service at Newton's Cemetery. Pall bearers for Irene will be Terry Renfro, Tim Stearman, William Radenheimer, Ryan Huff, Thomas Ramey and Steve Stepp.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lewis Funeral Home of Irvine.