News Summary
The Augusta community is grieving the recent loss of three cherished individuals: Elaine Gillespie, a 70-year-old devoted family member; a 76-year-old unnamed resident; and four-month-old Gabriel Edward Belanger. Each of these individuals left a lasting imprint on their families and the community, showcasing the importance of family connections and community support. Memorials are set to honor their lives, reflecting the deep sense of loss felt across Augusta.
Augusta, Georgia is facing a wave of mourning as the community reflects on the recent passing of three beloved residents. Elaine Gillespie, a cherished community member, died at the age of 70 on May 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and family. Alongside her, another local resident, who was 76 years old, passed away five days earlier on May 22, while a precious infant, Gabriel Edward Belanger, entered rest just a day after Gillespie, on May 28, 2025. The deaths have drawn significant attention, highlighting the impact these individuals had on their families and the larger Augusta community.
Elaine Gillespie is remembered fondly by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Brian Dye. Survived by her husband, Steve Gillespie, Elaine’s family includes her daughter Alison Dye, stepchildren Gavin Gillespie, Gina Roman, and Grant Gillespie, as well as three grandchildren—Elijah, Noah, and J.J.—and two great-grandchildren. Her sister, Nel Jones, and brother-in-law Jim, also survive her. Elaine was known for her love of family gatherings and her enjoyment in watching her beloved dog, Bambi, play.
A celebration of Elaine’s life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 2 PM at Elliott Sons Funeral Home, located at 4255 Columbia Road, Martinez, GA 30907. The announcement of her passing was made public online on May 29, outlining her profound influence and the heartfelt condolences pouring in from the community.
In addition to Elaine, another individual from Augusta is also being remembered. This 76-year-old resident, who passed away on May 22, is survived by his wife, Willie Mae Coach, and their four children: two daughters, Debbie L. Cooper and Tammie D. Barleston, and two sons, Calvin H. Coach Jr. and Walter Coach. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren and an equal number of great-grandchildren, as well as two sisters, Beverly C. Harris and Sheila Coach. Funeral services are scheduled for June 3 at 11:00 AM, to be held at Old Storm Branch Baptist Church, followed by interment at the church cemetery. A viewing for family and friends will take place the day before, on June 2, from 1 PM to 6 PM at Miller’s Funeral Home in Aiken, SC. Details of his passing were shared online on May 30.
Lastly, the Augusta community is grieving the loss of Gabriel Edward Belanger, just four months old, who passed away on May 28, 2025. Born on January 13, Gabriel was the son of Bobby Edward Belanger and Holly Autumn O’Bryan. He is survived by a large extended family, including grandparents Karen and Timothy Malin, Christopher and Kim O’Bryan, and Cindy Belanger, as well as great-grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Gabriel, who was loved for his fascination with characters from Paw Patrol and other childhood favorites, was preceded in death by his grandfather, Tony Ray Belanger, Sr. Arrangements for Gabriel are being handled by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Northwoods Chapel, where family members can receive condolences and memorial messages.
The collective mourning in Augusta serves as a reminder of the fundamental connections within the community, as friends and family come together to honor the lives and memories of Elaine Gillespie, the unnamed 76-year-old resident, and baby Gabriel Belanger. Each of these individuals has touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle Obituaries
- Aiken Standard Obituaries
- Legacy: Dickson Dunlap Obituary
- Thomas Poteet Obituaries
- Tukios Memorials
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Google Search: Obituary
- Google Scholar: Obituaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituaries
- Google News: Obituaries
