Margaret R. Gaines

On Tuesday, November 21, 2023 our loving mother, Margaret R. Gaines, answered the call from our Heavenly Father to transition from her earthly home to her eternal home. Sister Margaret was born on February 18, 1928 in Wake Forest, NC to the late Edward and Mary Rogers Richardson. Her siblings, Kenneth and Rhonda Gaines, preceded her in death.

Margaret received her education in the Caroline County Public School System. She worked for the Wake Forest Police Department for several years before moving to Baltimore, MD to better her life. She worked for Westinghouse Corporation in Baltimore until she met and married Lawrence Gaines.  They married and purchased a house in Tappahannock, VA, Lawrence’s hometown.  They built a convenience store (M & L Gas n Shop) in Champlain, VA.  After the death of her sweet Lawrence, Margaret ran the store until it was just too much for her. 

Margaret loved the Lord and became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church after moving to Champlain. Margaret served actively at Ebenezer as a Deaconess until her health declined. She loved her church and attended as many functions as she could. Always on the go!

Some of Margaret’s hobbies and interests included watching Hallmark movies and completing crossword puzzles. She loved her family and enjoyed attending family functions. 

Margaret leaves to cherish her memories: two sons, Elbert Harris (Shearon) and Kevin Harris, Jr (Leslie) and one sister Annie May Maynor (John). She has a host of children: Larry Gaines (Kim), Thomas Gaines, Stephanie, Karen Gaines (Toppin), April Lemon Harrison and Lorra.  A host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, numerous friends and relatives share special memories of time with Margaret. A very special daughter-in-law, Shearon F. Harris, a special nephew, Chris O’Neal of Northern VA, and a special friend Flornette Washington (beautician) share beloved memories of  the time spent with Margaret.  She loved and cherished every one of her fellow church members, with a very special love for her Pastor, Rev. Woolfork.