Wilma Virginia Baker Gaines

Wilma Virginia Baker Gaines, 95, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Colquitt Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her family while a favorite hymn, “Blessed Assurance,” played by her bedside.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home with Dr. Allen Edwards officiating. A private interment will follow at Cobb-Suncrest Memorial Gardens. Her grandsons, Brandon Smith, Dustin Harrell, Austin Harrell, Garrett Harrell, Christopher Gaines, Allen Edwards, and Joe Strickland, will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Born on October 1, 1930, in Ellenton, Wilma was one of eight siblings born to the late Martin and Ora Della Norman Baker. A graduate of Norman Park High School, Wilma later attended school to learn shorthand, a skill she was exceptionally proud of that made her highly sought after by offices in Colquitt County. Her favorite occupation, however, was being a devoted homemaker to her late husband of 72 years, James “Junior” Gaines, and their three children.

Wilma was a devout Christian who attended Calvary Baptist Church for many years. When health issues made church attendance difficult, Wilma remained committed to her faith, and her living room became her house of worship. She spent hours in prayer for her family, friends, and countless others who likely never knew she had covered them in prayer. She will be remembered for her deep love and pride for her family, boundless warmth, and easy laugh that lifted the spirits of all who were lucky enough to be around her.

In addition to her parents and husband, Wilma was preceded in death by her brothers, Floyd Baker, Sr., Talmadge Baker, and Edward Baker; and her sisters, Bea Waters, Lois Truluck, Claudia Humphries, and Thelma Beamon.

She is survived by her son, Stanley Gaines and wife Cindy of Social Circle; daughters, Jan Smith and husband Brad of Hartsfield, and Julie Clark and husband Steve of Cairo; grandchildren, Jessica Edwards and husband Allen, Brandon Smith and wife Alexa, Faith Strickland and husband Joe, Christopher Gaines and wife Taylor, Dustin Harrell and wife Kelsey, Austin Harrell and wife Amber, and Garrett Harrell; and nine great-grandchildren who were her constant source of joy. She also had six special friends and caregivers over the past five years, including Latavia, Ana, Mrs. Juanita, Mrs. Sandra, Mrs. Diane, and Mrs. Linda.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home.