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GAINES -- Nell Edwards Gaines, 89, a 25 year resident of San Angelo, TX, entered into God's loving arms on Thursday, September 7, 2006. She was born to William Ira and Nannie Bell Edwards on Sunday, September 17, 1916 in Hart County, Georgia, the 12th of the 13 children. Nell was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Reverend William C. Gaines; her siblings; and her son-in-law, Jerry Ward. She is survived by her daughter, Sheridan Ward; her two grandchildren, Keith Ward and his wife, Marie, and Julie Baum and her husband, Spencer; and three great-grandchildren, Noah and Audrey Ward, and Kira Baum. Nell was a 1942 graduate of Berry College in Mount Berry, GA. Following her graduation, she taught grade school briefly before moving to Washington D.C. where she was employed by the railroads during and after WWII. This is where she met her future husband, who was also born on September 17th. Nell and Bill married on their joint birthday in 1946. She loved to travel and moved with her husband during his Army career. They were stationed at various military installations across the nation and overseas in Tokyo, Japan. Upon military retirement, she moved with her husband to Dallas, TX, while Bill attended seminary. The couple spent their remaining years together establishing churches in rural Texas and working at Southern Baptist youth camps while making a permanent residence at Baptist Memorials in San Angelo, TX. Nell was an accomplished alto and pianist and performed many years with the Golden Bells of San Angelo, TX. She loved hats, enjoyed singing, traveling, playing scrabble, gardening, and reading. Nell loved her church family at Immanuel Baptist, and her good friends at Baptist Memorials. She was a caring and unique woman with a curious mind, willing to explore and try new challenges all of her life. Her interests ranged from tap dancing at age 80 to oil painting and creating embroidered cards. Nell was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to many, and all who knew her were touched by her love and humor. Memorial services will be celebrated Sunday, September 17, 2006, 2:00 p.m., at Baptist Memorials Chapel in San Angelo, TX. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Lottie Moon Missions, c/o Immanuel Baptist Church, 90 E. 14th Street, San Angelo, TX 76930, or to your favorite charity. Special thanks go to the loving staff of Vista Care Hospice. This final journey could not have been made without your wonderful support. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
        Published on: Tue September 12, 2006