Marietta Elizabeth Mills Gaines-Bailey

Mrs. Marietta Elizabeth Mills Gaines-Bailey, better known as “Mary”, entered into rest on Monday morning, January 30, 2023, at Nancy Hart Nursing Center, at the age of 103.

Born in Elbert County on April 8, 1919, Mary was the seventh of nine children of Moses Edmund Mills and Mary Caroline Scarborough Mills. The family was raised in the Flatwoods Community where she graduated from Middleton High School in the mid 1930s. She excelled at basketball during her high school years, and was offered a scholarship to Young Harris College as a result of her hard work.

A life long resident of Elberton, her life’s work was at the Elbert County High School Cafeteria where she retired as manager. She was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church of Elberton, a former Cub Scout Leader, and a former member of the Elberton Salvation Army Board. Mary enjoyed her work at the Salvation Army as long as her health permitted. Her love of Elbert County was exhibited everyday as she touched the lives of generations of Elbertonians. In her free time, she enjoyed buying and refinishing antiques. Much of her refinishing work can still be found today at Anderson’s Barber Shop.

Along with her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her husbands: John Wesley Gaines and Still Y. “Mutt” Bailey; and her siblings: Jack Mills, Bessie Mills, Edna Bond, Charles Mills, William Mills, Naomi Olson, Florence Anderson Alexander, and Ned Mills.

Survivors include her only son, Jim Gaines and his wife Pat of Burnesville, NC; granddaughter, Molly Graves and her husband Chris Hamilton; and five great-grandchildren: Ava, Selah, Riya, Lyren, and Stellan. “Aunt Marietta” was particularly close to her nephew, Doug Anderson, his wife Becky, their daughters Denise and Lisa, and their families.

Those wishing to pay their respects to Mrs. Mary may do so on Tuesday, January 31, from 1:00-4:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held privately on Wednesday, February 1, in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Adams officiating. Interment will be in Elmhurst Cemetery.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to the Elberton Salvation Army, 262 N. McIntosh Street, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Marietta Elizabeth Mills Gaines-Bailey.