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Frances Elizabeth Reaves Gaines

Frances Elizabeth Reaves Gaines
Frances Elizabeth Reaves Gaines passed away January 13, 2021 at the age of 93. She grew up in a family of eleven siblings and two cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Thomas Reaves and Martha Rebecca Knight Reaves; her husband Cassie Lee “Slim” Gaines, son James Arthur “Jim” Gaines and 6 brothers, 3 sisters, and 2 cousins. She is survived by five children: daughter Virginia Gaines Luker (Phillip) of Camden; son Gary Steven Gaines of Hybart; son Roger Kenneth Gaines (Sue) of Hybart; son William Eugene Gaines (Sheridan) of Camden and daughter Sandy Gaines Lauderdale (Don) of Camden. She is also survived by sisters Polly Reaves Fairly of Brundidge and Linda Reaves Luker of Millbrook. Mrs. Gaines leaves 14 grandchildren: Lanette Luker Maness (Phil), Leslie Luker McNeece (Carl), Alison Luker Jordan (Marcus), Ashley Gaines (Amanda), Michael Gaines (Amanda), Steven Gaines (Christina), Amanda Gaines, Melanie Gaines Longpre (John), Justin Gaines (Laura), Kate Gaines Hatfield (Bradley), Chance Gaines (Carlen), Austin Gaines (Kimberly), Drake Lauderdale and Tom Lauderdale. She is also survived by 21 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Frances was born in a log cabin on t

he Reaves Hill at the home of her grandparents, Harriet Frances Kennedy Reaves and William McDaniel Reaves. Despite being raised during the Great Depression, she only spoke fondly of her childhood memories and escapades on the farm. She loves her siblings and cousins dearly and told many stories of their glorious adventures together.
She attended school in Coy, Alabama during her elementary years where she said she had more fun than learning! She graduated from Camden High School where she excelled as a student and cheerleader.
After high school Frances married Cassie Lee Gaines, a WWII veteran. They settled in the Bells Landing community where they devoted their lives to raising children and crops and spoiling their grandchildren for sixty years. Their hard work and dedication left a legacy with their family farm now in its third generation of operation.
Frances was a bright and spirited woman who knew how to work hard and laugh loud. She enjoyed a good book, a lively debate, and was passionate about politics. She had a strong sense of self and although almost blind at the time of her death, Frances still lived a mostly independent life on her own terms.
A graveside service was held at Reaves Chapel Cemetery on Sunday January 17, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Brother Reid Nettles officiated with Dunklin and Daniels Funeral Home Directing. In the interest of safety, the family asks that guest wear masks and socially distance.
She was a member of Gullet’s Bluff Baptist Church where she served faithfully for many years and taught her children to love the Lord. Her grandsons served as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to Reaves Chapel Cemetery Fund c/o Joyce Reaves, 141 County Rd. 6 Camden, AL 36726.

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