Emma Louise Gaines

Emma L. Gaines, 93, of Clarksville, TN, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of May 24, 2024, at the Tennessee State Veterans’ Home in Clarksville.

Emma was born January 7, 1931, in Port Royal community of Montgomery County, TN.   Emma was raised in the Montgomery County area, but as a result of being a military wife, she was afforded the opportunity to reside in various international and domestic U.S. areas during her life.  She cherished the varied experiences and always shared the fact that as a result of the travel, it exposed her to many cultures and friendships.

She was very proud that in addition to raising a family, she had the experience of working outside the home as a domestic, coupled with the experience of working in food service for the Clarksville Montgomery County School District.

Emma’s life was always rooted in her faith.  She worked hard six days of the week, but when Sunday arrived she was quick to lay out her Sunday best and by all means the perfect choice of her “crown”, translated the “hat”.  She favored a passage written by James Baldwin:  Our crowns have been bought and paid for, all we have to do is wear them.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Flossie Odham and Henry Kendrick; husband, William Gaines and daughter, Veronica, as well as her siblings: Eleanor, Paul, Annie, Doug, Etha, Austin, and Azelia.  She is survived by her two sons, Michael (Scott) and Clifford.  Her memory is cherished by many cousins, nieces and nephews, and additionally, numerous friends.

A funeral service will be held at Gateway Funeral Home on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with visitation at 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Burial will follow the service at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Clarksville, TN. 

Final arrangements are entrusted to Gateway Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 335 Franklin St. Clarksville, TN 37040; phone: 931-919-2600. Online condolences may be made by visiting gatewayfh.com.