Beatrice "Bea" Gulley, of Rockford departed this earthly life November 19, 2022. She was born January 9, 1936 in Indianola, MS the daughter of Richard Tillman and James Griffin. Beatrice lived in Rockford over 40 years coming from Chicago, IL. She married Jesse Gulley, he preceded in death and she later married Wardell Gillespie in 2001, he also preceded her in death. Beatrice was employed as a general laborer by Atwood many years before retiring in 1993. She was a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, serving as an usher. She attended schools in Mississippi.

Beatrice leaves to cherish many loving memories, her daughter, Delicia (Antwon) Harris and her five children; son David L. McLaurin and his eight children; four grandchildren, Saleena Gulley, Iroctanya Gulley, Terry Campbell, and George Campbell Jr; 18 great grandchildren; brother, Robert (Millie) Baymon; 3 nephews, and a host of cousins other honorary relatives and friends.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Jerusalem Baptist Church 301 Klines Ave. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.