Nicole Kirstie Gaines

Nicole Kirstie Gaines, passed away unexpectedly on February 1st, at her home in Cleveland, Tennessee. Nicole was born in Dearborn Michigan. She attended Mayville University of North Dakota on a debate scholarship and later furthered her education at Chattanooga State. She had a deep love of literature and language. In recent years past, Nicole volunteered her time with several children and teen programs at the Cleveland Public Library.

Nicole was a lover of all things fashion related. She was known for her eclectic style, and colorful hair styles. Her greatest passion was music. Growing up in the Detroit punk rock scene fueled a love of live music. In the mid 90's she co-founded Club Gemini, an all ages music venue, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was important to her that the club should be for all ages, as to let the younger generations experience live music.

Through the Chattanooga music scene, she met the love of her life and soulmate, Jefferson Wright Camp, the late keyboardist for Milele Roots, a local Reggae band.

Even though she was a cousin, by blood, she was truly an aunt to her young second cousins, Lawson Carden, Chloe Carden, and Lena Brown. They each held a special place in her heart. She will be loved and missed by family and many friends.

She is proceeded in death by her mother: Ella Sue Gaines; her father: Ellis Gaines. Her partner: Jefferson Camp; her grandparents: Nina and Clifford Carden S.; her aunt: Wilma Jean Hamilton; her uncle: Clifford Clyde Carden; and her cousin: Joe Hamilton.

She is survived by her aunts: Carolyn Marie Carden; Mrs. Paul "Charlotte" Askew, and Gail Carden. Her cousins: Jeff Hamilton, Jan Powell, Jennifer Blankenship, Keith and Tim Askew, and Ginger, Zachary, and Sasha Carden.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Companion Funeral Home, 2415 Georgetown Road, NW, Cleveland, TN on Monday, February 12, 2024 from 5-7 pm.