Lillian Gaines

Lillian Marie Gaines, affectionately known as Ninney, was a beloved matriarch, a faithful servant of the Lord, and a cherished friend and family member. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the age of 97.

Ninney was born on June 28, 1927, to the late Delia Hoyle and Ivory Willard "Hog Eye" Byrd. She graduated from College Hill High School in 1945 and she worshipped at Trinity United Methodist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee, where she loved fellowshipping with her church family. She particularly enjoyed spending time with her dear friends, Jacqueline Westfield, and Cassandra Timberlake Cox.

Throughout her life, Ninney had a rich and varied career. She was proud to be the first African American woman hired at American Uniform and served as one of Bradley Memorial’s first Grey Ladies at Bradley Medical Center. She also worked as a receiving clerk at Park Belk’s and spent 17 years providing compassionate home healthcare for the State of Tennessee. After retiring, Ninney continued to give back to her community as the Nutrition Coordinator at Walker Street Nutrition Site.

In addition to her impressive work life, Ninney had a passion for the arts and was an active participant in the Ocoee Players' productions and church skits. She loved to travel, sew, crochet, fish, and making jewelry, always finding joy in the little things and sharing her creative spirit with those around her.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents and nine older siblings: Donald Madden, Evelyn Byrd, Ivory Byrd, Howard Byrd, Beatrice Byrd, Eula Byrd, Johnson Byrd, Rosa Lee Byrd, and Azalee Byrd. Brothers and sisters-in- law, Mabel Smartt, Beatrice Scott, Willie Crutcher, Eloise Blair, and James Albert Gaines. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clifford Gaines Jr, with whom she shared 15 years of marriage, and her son, Allen Wendell Gaines.

Lillian leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory. She is survived by her two granddaughters, Diane Gaines and Alisha (Oscar II) Lewis, and four great-grandchildren: Raymond Gaines, Abigail Lewis, Olivia Lewis, and Oscar Lewis III. Additionally, she is survived by two great-great-grandchildren, who were a bright joy in her later years.

Ninney's legacy lives on through her family. She leaves behind a host of special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, including Anna Jean, Greta Swafford, Tammy (Barry) Marshall, Bobby (Debbie) Bunion, Abu (Tonya) Swafford, Rhonda Bunion, Jacqueline Kennedy, Khadiyah Myers, Octavia Blair, Valerie Porter, Nekita Blair, Sherita Swafford, Erica Swafford, Shayla (Dwayne) Robinson, Ebony Johnson-Bunion, Jada Blackwell, Jaelyn Blackwell, Tajon Swafford, Ahmad Swafford, Raeqwon Bunion, Keisha Bunion, Nataziona Nelson, and Tatyana Thompson. Dr. Eric (Crystal) Sims, Derrick Sims, Yolanda Sims,Charmain Swafford, Kurt Montgomery, Levon Swafford, Raquel Swafford, Sydney Swafford, William Jones, Tabitha Jones, Khadiyah (Louis) Myers. Pandora Blair Westfield, Sandra Blair, Edward Lee Blair, Stanley Blair, Levi Scott, Terry Scott, Alvin Scott, Gloria Deathridge, Danny Gaines.

She was also deeply loved by her many family friends, including Carley L. Kirkpatrick, Ms. Griselda Mee, Mr. Delbert King, Ms. Charlotte Timberlake, Kathy Lynch, Virginia Lynch, Ms. Betty Persons, and Ms. Edna White.

Ninney’s love for her family, her vibrant personality, and her faith will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness and grace.

A graveside service will take place at the Chattanooga Veteran Memorial Cemetery on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in her memory.

May Lillian “Ninney” Gaines rest in eternal peace with her Lord and Savior, reunited with her loved ones.