Margaret "Mitzi" Justus Gaines

Margaret “Mitzi” Justus Gaines

1923-2019

Anderson, SC

Margaret “Mitzi” Justus Gaines, 95, of Anderson, SC passed away Monday, August 19, 2019, while in the care of Rainey Hospice House.

Born December 2, 1923, in Hendersonville, NC, she was the eighth of nine children born unto the late Arthur Justus and Bessie Staton Justus.  Her youth and young adult life revolved around her church and school activities where she excelled in basketball.  She worked in Hendersonville's local drug store, loved to dance, and roller skate.

At the age of 17 she met her life's partner, Charles Herbert "Chuck" Gaines who served in the U.S. Air Force during the early years of their marriage.  Chuck's military service required a great deal of cross-county travel which they always shared side-by-side.  Ultimately, they established their home in Toccoa, GA and raised three children.  Mitzi was a dedicated wife and mother, Sunday School and Bible Study teacher with The First Methodist Church, and active member of several community and civic groups.

Once their children were grown, Mitzi and Chuck relocated to her childhood home of Hendersonville where they lived, loved, and laughed for many years.  A final relocation to Thomasville, NC is where they remained until Chuck's death in 2007.

A lifelong woman of faith, Mitzi carried on with a strong will and steadfast love of family.  Her hobbies and past times included bridge, Scrabble, and bargain shopping.  It was her passion for flowers, however, that she is most known for.  Planting and nurturing her plants....bright and vivid in color....brought great joy and satisfaction.

Survivors include her children....Ron Gaines and wife JoAnne of Panama City Beach, FL....Roger Gaines and wife Kathy of Jamestown, NC...and Deidra Gaines of the home in Anderson, SC.  Her legacy also includes six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23rd at the Fairgrove United Methodist Church Cemetery in Thomasville, NC with Jane Baity officiating.

Wright Funerals-Cremations in High Point, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.wrightfs.com.