Shirley C. Gaines

Shirley Caraline Gaines was born July 6, 1935 in Arbyrd, Missouri.
At a very young age, she moved to Florida, and was raised by her grandparents Walter and Oliie Jones. She later moved to Hollywood with her mother Rachel and stepfather William Anderson. She graduated from South Broward High School. While attending high school, she met and dated Richard Gaines for many years. While Dick attended Emory University in Atlanta, Shirley studied to become a teacher at Wesleyan College in Macon. They married in 1956 and settled in Daytona Beach in 1963, where they raised 6 children. They celebrated 65 years of marriage prior to Dick's death in 2022. She returned home to heaven on January 24,2024.
Shirley's life revolved around her family. She was a devoted wife and mother. She learned to love fishing as she supported Dick and his hobbies. She was also very involved in the Junior Service League, serving as president and a sustaining member for many years. She enjoyed playing bridge, was active in local tennis leagues for many years. Later in life she enjoyed playing mahjong. One of her hobbies included walking the beach and was an avid shell collector. Her passion was listening to audible books, especially murder mysteries. She and Dick loved their summers in the Bahamas, fishing and island hopping on their boat. After moving to New Smyrna Beach, she became a member of PEO, a professional women's educational organization.
Those who didn't know Shirley well, might think she was quiet, but there is a reason her nickname was the Admiral. Those who did know her were touched by her warmth and ability to listen, and many considered her their best friend.
Shirley is survived by her 6 children Caren Wilkie, Judi (Mrs. John) Root, Richard and Susan Gaines, Lisa (Mrs. Todd) South, Carla (Mrs. Kevin) Snider, and Kevin Gaines as well as 18 grandchildren: Liam and Patrick Wilkie, Lyndsey, Steven, Meredith, and Chapman Root, Ryan, Kyle, and Kristen Gaines, Scott, Dual, Tyler, and Wyatt South, Caroline, Gretchen, and Natalie Snider, and Chase and Gage Gaines.
There will be a family memorial Mass in March. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PEO or the Junior League.