Margaret Ann (McGill) Gaines

Mrs. Margaret Ann McGill Gaines was born January 9th, 1952 in York County, SC to the late Ella Mae Allison McGill and the late James Burris. Margaret affectionately called “Mag” and “Maw Maw” was the matriarch of the family. She departed this life for her eternal home on February 20, 2021.

To know Margaret was to love her and to be loved by her. Margaret was a very grateful, kind and sweet person who loved God, her family, her church and her community.  She was always helping those in need, giving of her time and resources. Margaret was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. We were blessed that God chose us as her earthly family.

Margaret was married to her sweetheart George A. Gaines for 53 years and to this union was born four children. Family was everything to Margaret and family gatherings were her greatest joy. Margaret was a great cook and she took pleasure in making her family’s favorite dishes. Family and friends alike looked forward to her famous pound cakes. 

Margaret attended Roosevelt High School and worked in the textile industry for many years. She later earned an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from York Technical College and became a Special Needs Teacher Assistant with the Clover School District. Margaret had a huge heart for all children but especially enjoyed working with children with special needs.

Margaret joined Zoah A.M.E. Zion Church at an early age and later joined Clover Chapel UMC where she served as a lay leader, lay speaker, communion steward, Outreach Ministry chairperson, usher and trustee. While she enjoyed church activities, her intimate relationship with Jesus Christ is the legacy she leaves to all who knew her. Margaret’s devotion to Christ was evident in how she treated everyone. Often family, friends and community members received uplifting calls, cards, texts, or visits from Margaret. However, all who knew her knew she was not visiting for long. Many recognized Margaret from her daily walks throughout the community. Rain or shine, Margaret could be found walking and greeting everyone she met along the way. She will be dearly missed as one of the sweetest ladies ever.

Margaret was preceded in death by her son, Gregory L Gaines, brothers Dennis McGill and James “Jim” Burris and a special uncle Rufus Allison who was a father figure to her.

Left to cherish her loving memory is her husband George A. Gaines of Clover SC; her children; Sandra Gaines Whetstone (Chauon) Atlanta, GA, Brett Gaines (Brooke) Fort Mill, SC, An-Twan (Tony) Gaines (Lauryn) Mt. Holly, NC, a daughter-in-love Crystal Gaines, Gastonia, NC and a bonus son Eric Robbins (Tasha) Kings Mountain, NC; Siblings: Roseleen Powell, Justine Stewart, LaVonne McGill, Barbara Robbins (David), Alice Buchanan, Darnell Allison, Dorothy Burris, Larry Berry (Rene-e), Kathryn Berry and Maggie Daniels (Lucas), Elizabeth McCaskill; Special in-laws Gary Gaines, Sr, Pamela Hughes (Michael), Vickie Gaines and Glennis Brown (Rick); Fifteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who she dearly loved.

For family and friends that wish to honor Mrs. Gaines remotely, here services may be viewed at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/39zzQsmQEJbi_6PxtJEvJKg7-WC90Di7kOTPPUI0m6v6kgOGQUuMEoGyuAZUbUQY.62HnYoQ1aK5Tn0w4
 

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