EMALYN “SAM” GILLISPIE
Emalyn “Sam” Gillispie, age 89 of Albany, passed away Monday, June 25, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 29 at Friendship Baptist Church with Brian Cope officiating. Visitation is Thursday, June 28 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m at Morehart Mortuary in Albany. Following the funeral service, Mrs. Gillispie will be cremated and her family will spread her ashes at Fort Griffin at a later date.
Emalyn Dyemartin was born Sept. 12, 1928 in Albany, Texas to Frank Dyemartin and Chloe Newcomb Dyemartin. On Feb. 12, 1972, she married James “Chief” Gillispie in Abilene. Sam had a passion for quilting, loved playing 42 and reading. When Chief retired from the military, they bought a travel trailer and enjoyed traveling the United States. They visited every state in the U.S. except for Hawaii because they couldn’t drag the trailer there. Sam was a member of the Prairieland Quilters of Albany, a past member of the Albany Study Club, and a historical fanatic, especially when it came to the history of Shackelford County.
Sam was the family genealogist and could trace the family’s connection to early settlers from England. She was active in the Fort Griffin Fandangle and also wrote a history column for the Albany News. Her family always came first and she will be remembered as their beloved mother.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Chief” Gillispie; her parents, Frank and Chloe Dyemartin; two brothers, Frank Dyemartin, Jr. and Edwin Newcomb; and one sister, Sue Codington.
Mrs. Gillispie is survived by her four children, Tricia Kinnard and husband Mickey of Albany, Mike Hensley and wife Kathy of Keaau, Hawaii, Paul Hensley and wife Misty of Albany, Tony Hensley and wife Gema of Albany; one sister, Bonnie Moore of Seagraves; 10 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Fort Griffin Fandangle and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net. PD
