Merle “Gannie” Pinson Gaines

Merle “Gannie” Pinson Gaines passed away peacefully on Friday, August 3, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Cora Pinson, and her husband Lewis Gaines whom she was married to for 68 years.

Merle is survived by her son Gary Lewis Gaines and daughter-in-law Tracy Kelley Gaines; daughter Gail Gaines Chester and son-in-law David Bradley Chester. She is also survived by her sisters Marjorie Black and Martha Mooney, and their respective spouses Reuben Black and Steve Mooney; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Terrell and Judy Gaines.

“Gannie” leaves behind five grandchildren, Kelley Gaines Friedman, Graham and wife Mercy Gaines, Neil and wife Margaret Gaines, Bradley and wife Callie Chester, and Bryan and wife Barbara Chester. She also had 10 great grandchildren all of which lovingly called her “Gannie”.

Merle was born on May 23, 1932, the oldest of three daughters. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 1949, and soon after married Lewis. After living and working at the Chicopee Mill for nine years, the couple moved to Thompson Bridge Rd. in Gainesville. There the Gaines’ would continue to develop and manage successful businesses and properties along the northern section of Thompson Bridge Rd. Merle did the accounting for the family-owned laundry-mat, grocery store, and trailer park. She was a member of Lakewood Baptist Church and Believers Sunday School class. She loved gardening and cooking and did both with skills that are hard to match.

More than anything, she devoted herself to her family. Gannie was the person to go to when you want to feel loved, feel safe, and eat homemade biscuits. Everyone knew that in Gannie’s company, everything was going to be okay. Gannie never stopped smiling when in the company of her family, and it was a genuine smile that made everyone realize how lucky they were to have Gannie in their life. She was deeply loved by all that knew her, and forever will be.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at Lakewood Baptist Church. Dr. Tom Smiley will be officiating. Interment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends after the service at the church.

Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200.