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The children of Dr. Barbara Gillespie-Washington cordially invite you to join us for a special luncheon celebrating her life, legacy, and 81st birthday.
1:00 PM
I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center
1900 South First Street
Champaign, IL 61820
Tickets: $40
About Dr. Barbara Gillespie-Washington
Dr. Barbara Gillespie-Washington is a widow and proud mother of three adult children. She attended the University of Illinois, earning a bachelor’s degree from the College of Agriculture and a master’s degree in Education. She later pursued her passion for ministry, earning a Doctor of Theology from the North Carolina College of Theology.
Dr. Gillespie-Washington dedicated 36 years to education in the Urbana Public School System before retiring in June 2005. Her service to the community has been extensive, including leadership and board roles with the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, Champaign Mental Health Board, NAACP Executive Board, National Council of Negro Women (Past First Vice President), Optimist Club, Retired Teachers Association, Urbana Free Library Board, Schools Foundation Team, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, One-to-One Mentoring Scholarship Board, and as Founder and Director of Wisdom Works.
Her commitment to education and service has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Those Who Excel Award from the Illinois State Board of Education, the first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Teacher of the Year Award from Parkland College, and Teacher of the Year from Urbana School District. In 2005, the Mayor of Urbana proclaimed May 24 as Barbara Gillespie-Washington Day in her honor.
Today, Dr. Gillespie-Washington continues her service through the International Women’s Department of the Church of God in Christ. Her appointments include Secretary of the Leadership Conference Team, Instructor of the Supervisors’ Class, Member of the Supervisor Recognition Team, Chairperson of the Senior Love Committee, Region 5 Supervisor, and Advisory Board Member.
Honor Her. Celebrate Her. Be Seen.
As we celebrate Dr. Barbara Gillespie-Washington, we invite you to participate in a special Love Gift in honor of her 81st birthday.
We are asking those who feel led to give $81, as we work toward a goal of $8,100 to support her travels to Brazil and Africa.
Please include “Love Gift” in the memo.
Ad Book & Tributes
Support the Celebration of Dr. Barbara Gillespie-Washington by placing an ad or tribute message in our official Celebration Ad Book, which will be shared with attendees and the community on September 5, 2026.
This is a beautiful way for family, friends, organizations, churches, and community partners to honor her life, legacy, and service.
Ad Book Options
Full Page Ad – $150
Half Page Ad – $100
Quarter Page Ad – $75
Eighth Page Ad – $50
Business Card Ad – $30
Patron Listing – $25
