Myrna L. Gillespie

Myrna L. Gillespie (nee Choykee), of Teaneck died on June 23, 2018, at the age of 88. Born on March 29, 1930 in Harlem, New York, Myrna was the only child of Andrew T. and Nellie Crichton Choykee. She attended Evander Childs High School and The City College of New York. She was a former Research Assistant for both Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Bank Street College of Education and an Assistant Director of the NYC Health Department’s WIC program. As a second career, she joyfully worked as a Broker for Russo Real Estate in Teaneck until her passing. Myrna was married to Robert K. Gillespie, a union that spanned over 43 years until his death in 1999. Together, they lived a devoted family and community life in Teaneck. A resident for over 55 years, Myrna was well-known for her local volunteer activities, including service on the Social Services Board of Teaneck, Age-Friendly for Teaneck (Housing Committee), and The Voorhees Street Association. She was a former PTA President, Girl Scout troop leader and Boy Scout Den Mother. She was a leader in many clubs including The Bergen County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, The Coalition of 100 Black Women Bergen/Passaic Chapter (Charter Member), the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Teaneck/Englewood Vicinity. She was also a devout parishioner of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Among her current activities, Myrna belonged to a bowling league and loved her Bridge, Poker, Pokeno and Bonanza groups. She was a crossword puzzle enthusiast, avid traveler and recently enjoyed a cross country road trip to California. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert, she is survived by her children, Lisa Gillespie Jenkins (Paul Bishop Jenkins, MD), Marc R. Gillespie (Atheia Inman) and Mia S. Gillespie, as well as her seven cherished grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 29th from 4-8pm and services will take place on Saturday, June 30th, at 10am, both at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Englewood, NJ, followed by Internment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Episcopal Relief & Development, Children Fund, made in Myrna’s honor are appreciated. (https://www.episcopalrelief.org/)