Naomi McCraw Gillespie, a devoted Christian and beloved member of the Galax, Virginia community, passed away surrounded by her family, leaving behind a rich legacy of love and faith. Born and raised in Galax, she dedicated her life to her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny L. Gillespie, her son, Kerry Gillespie, Son-in-law Johnny W Carico, and her grandson, John Carico.

Naomi is survived by her brother Joseph D McCraw and Doris Murray, her loving children, Kathy Benefield of Cleveland, Tennessee, Karen Carico of Galax, and Kim and Lara Gillespie of Galax, along with her cherished niece Missy Akers of King, North Carolina. Her family continues to honor her memory through her grandchildren, including Brad Benefield (Heather), Shea Carico (Mark), Brooke Jones, Jason Gillespie (Chelsea), Kimberly Lineberry (Dennis), Elijah Gillespie, and Lillian Elizabeth Gillespie, all of whom carry forward her spirit of generosity and kindness. She loved her 9 great-grandchildren: Madison Rodas, Chase Carico, Abby Carico, Wilson Benefield, Tyler Lineberry, Sage Carico, Gracie Lineberry, Cadence Jones, Emma Carico, and Zoey Carico. And  great-great-grandchildren: Ava, Jackson, and Beckham Rodas, and LeiLani Carico.

Naomi was a dedicated member of the Cliffview Church of God, where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years, profoundly impacting the lives of so many in her community. Her unwavering faith and commitment to her family and church will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday at 2:00 PM in the Cliffview Church of God with Pastor Jackie Poe and the Rev. Lyndsey Dunn officiating. Burial will follow in the  Allen Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 1:00 PM until time for the funeral service at the Cliffview Church of God.