Ida Ree Gaines

Ida Ree Gaines, a devoted woman of faith known for her love, kindness, and strength, passed away on February 27, 2025, to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ida's faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She was a devout member of Flint Hill Baptist Church of Rock Hill, where she found solace and strength. Her unwavering belief in God's love and grace was evident in her daily actions and interactions with others. Ida's spiritual journey was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her faith brought comfort to those around her.

Ida was born on September 5, 1944, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, as the youngest of twelve siblings to the late Alexander Gaines and Nancy Sibley Gaines. She grew up in Rock Hill and attended Emmett Scott High School and Friendship College.

She was employed at Winthrop University and the Rock Hill School District where she retired after many years of service.

Ida joined Flint Hill Baptist Church at a young age, participating in the Gospel Chorus for many years and serving in the Children's Church Ministry. She loved and served the Lord deeply and could be found so often praying and studying God's Word. She was a visual example to her family of what "Sitting at the Feet of Jesus" looked like. She spent most of her time there. She had a good spirit which allowed her to see the good in everyone and forgive anyone.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her four brothers: James Gaines, Robert Gaines, Alexander Gaines, and Bobbie Lee Gaines and four sisters: Sallie Gaines Bertha, Floree Gaines James, Mary Gaines Hinton, and Pearline Gaines Lowery.

Ida's life centered on her profound love for family. She leaves behind to cherish fond memories: her son, Anthony Gaines (Frances); two daughters, Iris Gaines and Terra Gaines-Hardin (Diamond); two sisters, Martha Gaines Glenn and Elizabeth Gaines Miles; eight grandchildren, Christopher McCoy (Danitra), Jaterryn Gaines, Isaiah McCoy (Tahkiya), A'Viana McCoy, DaKayla Hardin, Diamond Hardin Jr., Aamori Gaines, and Hannah Gaines; six great-grandchildren, Malayah McCoy, Zaire McCoy, Zakhari McCoy, Eliana McCoy, Zalani McCoy, Bryson McCoy, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.