Mary Jean Gaines

Mary Jean Adams Gaines was born on December 15, 1945 in Edgefield, South Carolina to the late Mary Lou and Willie Adams. She was the youngest of 6 children. Mary was surrounded by her family when God called her home on Monday, December 30, 2024. Her early education began in South Carolina before the family moved to Washington, DC in 1957. She continued her education in the DC Public School system graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1964. She went on to matriculate at DC Teachers College, now the University of the District of Columbia where she received her BA degree. She earned her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with Reading and Literacy as a concentration from George Washington University. Mary enjoyed teaching and began her career teaching elementary school students at Wilkerson Elementary School in Washington, DC. Over the years she taught at other schools in DC and Prince Georges County, Maryland before retiring from teaching as a reading specialist from Charles County Public Schools in Maryland. Mary was also a much sought-after tutor and enjoyed the one-on-one contact with children. Her love for the Lord was nurtured in Gethsemane Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Her family united with Gethsemane under the pastorate of Rev. George R. Yancey shortly after they moved to Washington, DC. She was active in the Sunday School and served as Sunday School Superintendent. She also served on Senior Usher Board #2, the Flower Club, was President of the Progressive Club and served on the Board of Trustees. Around 2000 Mary united with Evangel Cathedral in Upper Marlboro, Maryland where she continued her service for the Lord as a teacher and minister. She loved the Lord and shared this love with everyone she met. Mary married John Russell Gaines in 1971 and from this union one son was born, Russell Jermaine Gaines. The marriage ended in divorce. She had a sweet and comforting personality. She loved reading, teaching, and learning and willingly shared her knowledge with all she encountered. She was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her grandson, Russell; brother, Robert Adams; and sister, Betty Robinson. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Russell (Tamika Waiters); sister, Dorothy White; brothers, James Edward Adams and Roosevelt Adams; godson, Ryan Walker; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, including special friends, Allen and Lisa Wheeler, Marie Peoples and godsister, Verna (Becky) Walker.

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Mary Jean Gaines

December 15, 1945 - December 30, 2024