Dorcus Gillaspie Program

Best friend...Bestie...Wifey...Ant. I can still hear your voice in my head calling me all these names. I pray I can always recall it to my memory. It feels surreal to even be writing this. We've been thick as thieves since the age of 14. And we always said, til rocking chairs and beyond". I'll never forget the day we met...passing notes in church. You wrote "All these girls out here are so fake. I'm looking for a real friend." LOL. I was too. That was just you. You pulled no punches. You minced no words. 24 years later and we are still inseparable. My family became yours and yours became mine. Phone calls all times of the day and night. Best friend dates where we would "movie hop". I would come lay in the hospital bed with you when you were sick and eat your tray while I snuck you outside food. You were the loudest. You were the funniest. You were the greatest listener. You were the best cook. The biggest helper. The hardest worker. You never judged. You accepted me through every phase of my life. Even when I moved away, we never missed a beat. You will always be the kindest, most nurturing, beautiful soul, I'll ever have the privilege of interacting with. I'm sad. Not because there were words left unsaid or deeds left undone. That was not us. We never left each other without saying "I love you." We showed each other in our actions. We gave each other proverbial flowers. I'm simply sad because flesh wants you here with me. But my spirit is joyous because the greatest thing about you was you loved God with your WHOLE heart and were a faithful Christian woman. Rest well my bestie. I've got Phat Baby. I promise. I'll see you when I get there. And oh, we'll have a time. You were my BFF, my roomie, my WIC queen, my praise partner, my diabetic sista, my favorite cook, an auntie to the girls and so much more. I'm grateful for the imprint that you left on my life. I will forever and always be your Cherlinda! Love you always, Cheryl. My Dee Baby, From day one I knew you were a force to be reckoned with. You came into my life with so much life and energy, and I was never the same. From our girl's days and boy talks to our road trips, you always knew how to turn up. I admired how you showed so much love to everyone who crossed paths with you. Always willing to lend a helpful hand. I will miss hearing the "Hey Boo" every time we talked and definitely, your cooking. I am forever grateful for all the time we had, and I will cherish every memory. You were always my earthbound angel, and now you are my heavenly angel. I love you to Girl, I need more than a page to write what's in my heart about you. My life changed 24 years ago when God brought you into my life. You showed me the true meaning of friendship, better yet, sisterhood. You brought out the best in me and taught me it is okay to let people in and to trust someone fully. I am the person I am today because of you. It was your words of motivation, your Anointed spirit, and your love that kept me going, each day. God really showed me favor when he blessed me with you as a friend, sister, and aunt to my kids. I am in awe of how your cocoon blossomed into a beautiful butterfly that has left your mark on the world and inside of people. You have such an infectious spirit, that to be around you brings about positivity and greatness. We always talked about writing a book and how it would be a best-seller, but I never imagined that your chapter would end so soon. I write this tribute with a heavy heart+teary eyes. I will truly miss my best friend, my sister, my confidant. There is no other like you for you are unique and one of a kind. You will always be my angel. You now have your wings so fly free and shine bright. I love you more than words could express and will forever cherish our memories. Love always, Raie infinity and beyond. -Your Boo, Kat

Dorcus...You were the definition of a ride or die. I won't find a more trusting, loyal friend in this lifestyle. Dee....D'Lucci...my love...my best friend...my most faithful companion. I love you forever. Thank you for letting me be me...whatever that meant at the time. I appreciate all our talks and laughs to the fullest. I'm going to miss you girl!!! I 'll always love you and remember you. -Your Sarah

I will cherish our special memories in my heart. Nothing compares to your big smile, servant heart, & beautiful spirit. You demonstrated daily what unconditional love, sacrifice, & resilience should look like! I've always admired your strength and intelligence. We were the balance each other needed. I will miss us laughing until tears, your wisdom, running our errands & lunch dates, our vulnerable conversations, celebrating life events, & leading Ledbetter together. My life was blessed through our sisterhood. You are a rare gem; I will never meet another soul like you! Heaven gained a beautiful Angel. -With Love, Your Ari