Gloria Jean Gaines was born on July 30, 1947, to the late Jacob and Waltdell Foster, the third of eight children. The family lived in the town of Leary, Georgia.

Gloria accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was a faithful member of Spring Creek Missionary Baptist Church, where her love for the Lord was nurtured throughout her childhood and remained with her all her life. She graduated from H.T. Singleton High School in Morgan, Georgia, in 1965 and went on to earn her clerical diploma from Albany Area Tech in Albany, Georgia.

On July 14, 1968, she married the love of her life, Morris Gaines. Together they built a loving home and raised two sons, Reginald and Gregory. Gloria was blessed with one grandchild, Morrison, the son of Gregory and Sallie, who brought her tremendous joy in her later years.

Gloria built a strong and dedicated career, beginning in general office and clerical roles in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including positions at H.T. Singleton High School, Sizzler Steak House, Southeastern Radio Parts, and Salvatori/Broni (Pacesetter). She went on to work as a Clerk for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, and later at Handy City, a division of W.R. Grace & Company, where she was known for her dependability, excellent secretarial skills, and strong communication skills. She went on to spend nearly two decades at Gold Kist, followed by a long tenure at BrandsMart as a Supervisor until her retirement, capping off a career defined by hard work, professionalism, and dedication.

Gloria was a devoted wife and mother whose greatest joys were found in her faith and family. As a member of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church for 30 years, she loved attending church and singing in the choir. She found peace and creativity in cooking, sewing, photography, scrapbooking, and buying gifts for her family and friends. A spirited fan of college football, she never missed a chance to cheer on her Auburn Tigers.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Gaines; her parents, Jacob and Waltdell Foster;and her brothers, Jackie and Jacob Jr. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Reginaldand Gregory (Sallie)Gaines; her grandson, Morrison;and a host of siblings, extended family, and friends whose lives she touched with her love, faith, and grace.