Lillian Gaines

It is with broken hearts that we announce that Lillian Morris Gaines , 74, of Athens, passed peacefully from her earthly life on the morning of June 2, 2022. However, it is with great joy that we share with you the “good news” that she arrived safely to her heavenly home and that she is more alive than she has ever been before.

Lillian was a longtime resident of Athens, TN.  She was the daughter of the late Wade Dewey Morris and Claudine Morris.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Billy Worth Gaines; her grandson, Zach Gaines; her sisters, Shirley Morris, Liddie Jo Devoer, and Charles Anna Morris; and her brothers, Wayman Morris and John L. Morris.

Lillian was a longtime member of Freedman Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church and proudly served in several roles within the church over the years. She was a Church Mother and humbly served in that capacity until her earthly departure.  Her love for and devotion to her family, her church, and her church family was beyond measure.

Lillian is survived by her children who will forever cherish her memory, Dennis Gaines (Patty) of Riceville, Deno Gaines, William Gaines (Katrina), and Lance Gaines, of Athens.

Her grandchildren, Jordan Gaines, Nayla Gaines, Willow Gaines, Cierra Gaines, and Tayla Scruggs; and her great granddaughters, Andi Triplett and Tia Richardson.  She was so proud of her grandchildren and loved them dearly.

Siblings, Dolina Roberts, Christine Mitchell (John), James McArthur Morris (Olivia), Rev. Wayne Lee Morris, and Damon Morris.

Her extended family, dear friends, and beloved church family.

The family will receive friends at M.D. Dotson & Sons Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., and a graveside service at McMinn Memory Gardens at 2:00 p.m.

M.D. Dotson & Sons Funeral Home will continue to be in compliance with COVID-19, mask are required at all times, and we will monitor for social distancing