For decades, Deacon Gallishaw has dedicated her time to caring for others. Whether she’s delivering meals to families in need, supporting her church, or checking in on those who can’t leave their homes, helping people has always been at the heart of what she does.
But when an unexpected vehicle breakdown left her without reliable transportation, the person who had spent so many years helping others found herself needing a little help of her own.
That’s when Sheehy Subaru of Springfield stepped in.
A Lifetime of Serving Others
Deacon Gallishaw has been a devoted member of Walker Mill Baptist Church since its founding in 1992. Over the years, she’s taken on numerous roles, including Church Clerk, Sunday School and New Members teacher, Board of Trustees member, deacon, missionary, and member of the church’s Food Pantry Outreach Ministry.
Her commitment to serving others extends well beyond the church walls.
She regularly helps provide food to families in need, delivers meals to individuals who are sick or unable to leave their homes, and helps care for the church’s senior pastor and his wife, both in their eighties.
For Deacon Gallishaw, these aren’t simply responsibilities. They’re opportunities to make a difference in the lives of people who depend on her.
And for years, she relied on the same vehicle to help make it all possible.
When the Unexpected Happened, Sheehy Answered the Call
After 17 years and more than 300,000 miles, Deacon Gallishaw’s longtime vehicle finally gave out when its timing belt broke in June.
Without the financial means to immediately purchase another vehicle, she faced a difficult situation. Transportation was essential not only for her daily needs but also for continuing the outreach and caregiving that had become such an important part of her life.
Hoping to find a solution, she reached out to Nita Childs Mitchell, Controller at Sheehy Subaru of Springfield and Sheehy Ford of Springfield, to explain her circumstances and ask if there was any way Sheehy could help.
Nita shared her story with the team, and they responded.
With the support of Russ Zakeri, General Manager of Sheehy Subaru of Springfield, Deacon Gallishaw received a vehicle that would allow her to get back to doing what she loves most: helping others.
In a heartfelt thank-you letter, she expressed her appreciation to everyone involved and described the experience as an “abundant overflowing blessing.”
Keeping a Spirit of Service Moving Forward
For Deacon Gallishaw, having transportation again means so much more than getting from one place to another.
It means being able to deliver food to those who need it, continue supporting her church, care for its senior leaders, and remain connected to the community she’s spent decades serving.
Her story is a reminder that even those who dedicate their lives to helping others sometimes need someone to show up for them.
At Sheehy Subaru of Springfield, we’re proud of Nita, Russ, and the entire team for recognizing an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
Most importantly, we’re grateful for people like Deacon Gallishaw, whose kindness and dedication have touched so many throughout her community.
As she shared in her own words, her mission remains “serving with a servant’s heart and smile.”
Thank you, Deacon Gallishaw, for reminding us what it means to care for others. We’re honored to have played a small part in helping you continue that mission.
