Barbara C. Gaines

Barbara Ann Cribbs Gaines, age 94, of Anderson, SC, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at TerraBella MarchBanks.

Born July 10, 1931, in Columbia, SC, she was the daughter of the late Walter W. and Ethel McAlum Cribbs. She was married for 56 years to Robert Lafayette Gaines until his death in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth Sukustis, Aline Delaney, Lois Carter and Doris Simons; brothers, Julian and Terrell Cribbs and a grandson, Christopher Glenn Holcombe.

Barbara was a devout Christian and a woman of unshakable faith. She had a gracious, thoughtful, and loving spirit. Barbara was a fine woman with a servant's heart. She was a loving wife of 56 years, a mother, grandmother, and a great grandmother. Barbara loved water aerobics, snow and water skiing, and socializing. She was always talking to people and brought so much joy to others – she never met a stranger. Barbara loved politics and was the district manager for Butler Derrick from 1975-1995. She also served as a deacon of First Presbyterian and was a member of the choir.

She is survived by a daughter, Suzette Elizabeth Gaines Bowman; a son, Robert Lafayette Gaines, Jr. (Margaret); grandchildren, Marshall Robert Bowman and Rosemary Ann Davidson and four great-grandchildren, Vivica Bowman and Syrek, Holland and Willow Davidson, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

The family would like to thank the staff of Family Hospice, TerraBella, and a special friend and caregiver, Jeanne James.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at First Presbyterian at 2:00 pm with Rev. Dr. Dennis Tedder and Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spray officiating. Burial will follow at Old Silver Brook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Anderson Interfaith Ministries, 1202 S. Murray Ave., Anderson, SC 29624, First Presbyterian, 302 W. Whitner Street, Anderson, SC 29624 or the charity of one's choice.