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Dr. Barbara GillespieLegacy of Service Award
Commemorating individuals who have made enduring contributions to our community over the course of their lifetime, leaving a lasting legacy of positive impact as exemplified by Mrs. Rhodes throughout her life.
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Dr. Barbara Gillespie-Washington is a distinguished educator, community servant, and faith leader whose life reflects an unwavering commitment to service, learning, and empowerment. A proud mother of three and a widow, Dr. Gillespie-Washington earned her B.A. from the University of Illinois in Agriculture, followed by a Master’s in Education, and later a Ph.D. in Theology from North Carolina Bible College.
With over 36 years in the Urbana School District, she shaped countless lives as a teacher, curriculum writer, and science education advocate. Her impact extended to the University of Illinois and the Regional Office of Education, where she led workshops and mentored new educators statewide. Among her many academic collaborations was her work on Project S.E.A.R.C.H., partnering with Nobel Laureate Dr. Paul Lauterbur and Dr. Joan Dawson.
Dr. Gillespie-Washington’s service spans far beyond the classroom. She has lent her leadership to numerous boards and organizations, including the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, Champaign Mental Health Board, Urbana Free Library Board, CU Schools Foundation, NAACP ACT-SO, the Optimist Club, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma, and many more. She is also the founder of Wisdom Works, and her ministry with incarcerated women in the Champaign County Jail remains one of her most meaningful endeavors.
Her spiritual leadership is equally profound. As a member of Liberty Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC), she serves as Supervisor of Women for the Illinois Central Jurisdiction. Internationally, she holds several appointments within the COGIC Department of Women, including her most recent as National Advisory Board Member and Region #5 Area Representative. She has been recognized as one of the 150 most influential women in the Church of God in Christ worldwide.
Dr. Gillespie-Washington is a two-time author, a world traveler, and a woman of deep humility. Despite numerous accolades—including “Teacher of the Year,” “Woman of Distinction,” “Those Who Excel,” and having May 24, 2005, proclaimed in her honor by the City of Urbana—she is quick to remind others that her greatest joy comes from serving God by serving His people.
Her life’s work is a living legacy of faith, leadership, and lifelong service. We are proud to recognize Dr. Barbara Gillespie-Washington as the 2025 recipient of the Legacy of Service Award.
With over 36 years in the Urbana School District, she shaped countless lives as a teacher, curriculum writer, and science education advocate. Her impact extended to the University of Illinois and the Regional Office of Education, where she led workshops and mentored new educators statewide. Among her many academic collaborations was her work on Project S.E.A.R.C.H., partnering with Nobel Laureate Dr. Paul Lauterbur and Dr. Joan Dawson.
Dr. Gillespie-Washington’s service spans far beyond the classroom. She has lent her leadership to numerous boards and organizations, including the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, Champaign Mental Health Board, Urbana Free Library Board, CU Schools Foundation, NAACP ACT-SO, the Optimist Club, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma, and many more. She is also the founder of Wisdom Works, and her ministry with incarcerated women in the Champaign County Jail remains one of her most meaningful endeavors.
Her spiritual leadership is equally profound. As a member of Liberty Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC), she serves as Supervisor of Women for the Illinois Central Jurisdiction. Internationally, she holds several appointments within the COGIC Department of Women, including her most recent as National Advisory Board Member and Region #5 Area Representative. She has been recognized as one of the 150 most influential women in the Church of God in Christ worldwide.
Dr. Gillespie-Washington is a two-time author, a world traveler, and a woman of deep humility. Despite numerous accolades—including “Teacher of the Year,” “Woman of Distinction,” “Those Who Excel,” and having May 24, 2005, proclaimed in her honor by the City of Urbana—she is quick to remind others that her greatest joy comes from serving God by serving His people.
Her life’s work is a living legacy of faith, leadership, and lifelong service. We are proud to recognize Dr. Barbara Gillespie-Washington as the 2025 recipient of the Legacy of Service Award.
Previous Honoree:
2024 - Will Patterson (Posthumous)
2024 - Will Patterson (Posthumous)