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In Memory Of Our Poets

Iona Mirinda Gillespie (Fontaine) - Class Of 1931

Iona Gillespie Fontaine went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 1, 2021, at the age of 108. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ethel and Josh Gillespie, and by her siblings, Kate Bryan, Ruby Lauzon, Paul Gillespie, Earl Gillespie, Ruth Pierce, and her husband, John P. Fontaine. Mrs. Fontaine is survived by her sister, Joan Gillespie Williams, and numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Lanier High School, Iona attended Judson College, graduating in 1935 with a degree in math. She taught school in Clark and Marengo counties. In 1945, with all the male teachers away in service to our country in World War II, Iona was appointed football coach, and her team won most of their games. In 1958 she married John Fontaine and returned to Montgomery where she taught Math at Lanier High School until retiring in 1981.

Iona served several Baptist churches as educational director and has been active in WMU work and teaching Sunday school all of her adult life. She has been active in the Montgomery Judson Chapter, Eastern Star, and Ridgecrest Baptist Church where she taught the ladies Sunday school classes for many years.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Greenwood Cemetery at 1:00 pm. Her family wishes to express appreciation to the staff at John Knox Manor II for many years of faithful care.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WhiteChapel-GreenwoodFH.com for the Fontaine family.