Shairan Gillespie-Araiza

Shairan Gillespie-Araiza (57) of Check, VA departed this life after battling an acute illness on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
Shairan was born and raised in Blacksburg, VA on December 30, 1964. She was a graduate of Blacksburg High School and New River Community College. She worked as a Communications Supervisor with the Radford University Police Department for over 30 years and loved and cherished her colleagues.
She is preceded in death by her granny, Panzie Elmore-Dennis formerly of Blacksburg, VA; father, Karl Gillespie SR formerly of Blacksburg, VA; mother and step-father, Sarah Jane Mitchem and James Mitchem SR formerly of Pembroke, VA.
Left to honor her memory are her husband and partner of over 35 years, Jose Araiza of Check, VA; two daughters, Sarah Araiza (Jason Zehnpfennig) and Haley Araiza of Check, VA; two brothers, Karl Gillespie JR of Pembroke, VA and Edward Mitchem of Pembroke, VA; one sister, Susan Mitchem-Santolla (Timmy Santolla) of Pembroke, VA; devoted longtime friend and colleague, Cynthia Bain. She also has many nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family and friends that she loved dearly.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022, from 3-4 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will follow at 4 p.m. in the Chapel.