Elsie Jean Gatewood

Mrs. Elsie “Jean” (Lacefield) Gatewood, age 82 of Versailles, Kentucky departed this life peacefully on Monday, May 27, 2024.  Jean was born in Estill County, Kentucky on July 15, 1941 to the late Richard Crawford and Elsie Elizabeth (Long) Lacefield.

Jean lived a life of service and was fulfilled by giving to others.  To her family she gave the most, always outpouring her love, time and support in doing things big and small in countless ways.  Her kindness, selflessness, humility and devotion are qualities they will forever cherish and treasure.

Church was Jean’s second family.  She was a dedicated and involved member at South Elkhorn Christian Church for over 50 years.  She held so many roles within the church including teaching Sunday School to youth and adults (including her beloved Bible Class), serving on committees such as Mary’s Circle and Christian Women’s Fellowship, being a Deacon, mentoring kids before baptism, volunteering on the Hospitality Committee and many other acts of service.  Whenever there was a need, she was quick to step in and help her church family in whatever way she could.

Jean also gave to her community. She was active within the Salvation Army for many years in leadership roles helping with programs for children to attend summer camp, coordinating emergency relief locally for people in crisis, and assisting with bell ringing for fundraising.  She was a Girl Scout Troop leader.  She was involved with the Woodford County Community Action Agency and was a coordinator for the Senior Citizens of Woodford County homecare programs.  Early in her career she worked for the State Department of Rehabilitation in various administrative positions.  It was there that she met her husband Stewart and together they wrote a grant for a new program at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital to help people with physical disabilities return to work.  She later served as executive administrative assistant to the Director at Cardinal Hill.

After "retirement," Stewart and Jean co-owned Wheelchair Getaways, an organization that rents wheelchair accessible vans across the United States.

Jean is survived by her husband of 56 years: James “Stewart” Gatewood of Versailles, Kentucky, one son: Richard (and Moon) Gatewood of Versailles, Kentucky, one daughter: Jennifer Sue (and James) Day of Versailles, Kentucky, one sister: Betty (and Larry) Munz of Cynthiana, Kentucky and 5 grandchildren: Madeline Gatewood, Katie Gatewood, Charlie Gatewood, Azlynn Day, James Day and leaves behind nieces, a nephew, and other relatives who all mourn her passing.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday June 8, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at South Elkhorn Christian Church 4343 Old Harrodsburg Road Lexington, Kentucky 40513 with Bro. Michael Swartzentruber officiating.  

The family of Mrs. Gatewood will receive friends on Saturday, June 8, 2024 after 10:00 a.m. until time for services at the church.

In lieu of flowers family request expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to South Elkhorn Christian Church.