Ellie Mildred Gaines

Ellie Mildred Gaines of Appomattox, VirginiaMay 31, 1924 - January 17, 2023

Ellie Mildred Hamlett Gaines went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

Born in Charlotte County, Virginia, May 31, 1924, she was the first-born daughter of the late James Frank Hamlett and Florence Jackson Hamlett.  She was a charter member of her beloved Grace Hills Baptist Church.

Mildred and her late husband of 42 years, Archie Garland Gaines, along with their two daughters, Barbara Mildred and Carolyn Anne moved to Appomattox County, July 18, 1949.  On August 1, 1949, the doors of Gaines Jewelers were opened.  Mama and Daddy owned and operated their business for 38 years, closing in 1987.  “Pleasing You, Pleases Us” was always their motto.

Our Mother is survived by her three devoted daughters, Barbara Roper and husband, Stan of Brevard, NC, Carolyn Tolley-Mitchell of Spout Spring, and Garlene Daniel and husband, Kent of Stanardsville. She also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren; a devoted granddaughter, Abby Tolley of Appomattox, who was always by her side, Archie Tolley and his wife, Nancy of Pamplin, Jason Roper and wife, Jen of Wilmington, NC, Libby Jackson of Charlotte, NC, Julie Roper of Boston, MA, Kenny Daniel and his wife, Becca of Colonial Beach, Jacqueline Cook and her husband, Zac of Houston, TX, Ellie Daniel of Johnson MO; and three great-grandchildren, Cody and Chase Roper and Emily Jackson; one sister-in-law, Peggy June Hamlett; and a number of dearly loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Newton Tolley, whom she loved as her own; two sisters, Doris Childress and her husband, Willie John, and Christine Newcomb; and two brothers, Hubert Hamlett and his wife, Peggy and Samuel Hamlett.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2023, at Grace Hills Baptist Church with Pastor Gary Dalton officiating.  Burial will follow in Liberty Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.