Agnes Turner Gaines

Agnes Turner Gaines, 94, passed away peacefully April 11 after living a life well lived filled with family, friends and love. Born in Franklin Springs, Georgia, she spent her childhood and early teens in India where her parents were missionaries. She lived an idyllic childhood on the mission filled with adventure - the tea gardens, the Himalayas and the mystery and beauty of India. She told stories of those years for the rest of her life.

She went on to attend Emmanuel College and in 1951 married Joseph Gaines, who became a Superior Court judge in Athens. They were married 56 years until his death. She was a devoted wife, mother and faithful friend. The problems of the world were solved over many morning coffee klatches at her table. She had many lifelong friends.

But the role she played best was as the matriarch of her family. The greatest joy in her life was her family, particularly her children and her grandchildren. She remembered everything about their lives sometimes to their chagrin. She knew them better than they knew themselves. She enjoyed traveling and was a champion "scratch" southern cook. She loved crafting doing china painting, crocheting and decoupage up until her death.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen; son, Joe; daughter-in-law, Vicki; son, Mike, son, Mark; daughter-in-law Leslie; 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild along with many nieces, nephews, great and great, great nieces and nephews. She will forever be remembered by her family who loved her so.

A special thank you to St Mary's Hospice for helping her through her last days with great compassion. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be organized at a future date.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com