Delores Octavia Gaines

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” II Timothy 4:7 Delores Octavia Peters Gaines quietly passed away on October 28, 2016 at Genesis Healthcare in Seaford, Delaware. Born in Quantico, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Pauline Peters, raised by the late Raymond and Inez Smiley. She was the widow of late Lloyd O’Connell Gaines. They shared 59 years of marriage and from this union they raised 5 children together. Delores affectionately called “Mom”, “Mom-Mom” or “Mom Lois”, by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and commonly known by all as “Mrs. Gaines”, “Aunt Lois” and “Lois-ee Pete” was committed to family and helping others. Delores received her early education at Owens Corner Elementary School in Columbia, Delaware, Paul Laurence Dunbar Junior High in Laurel, Delaware and William C. Jason High School in Georgetown, Delaware. Delores pursued her higher education at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina and Delaware State College in Dover, Delaware, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Delores began her professional career teaching at Owens Corner Elementary School in Columbia, Delaware. She then transferred to Milford Elementary School in Milford, Delaware. After 32 years of teaching, Delores retired, but she continued to remain active in the education community, serving as Director at the Coverdale Crossroads Daycare in Seaford, Delaware, until her health declined. Delores was a member of Mount Nebo United Methodist Church in Columbia, Delaware, where she served as the President of the United Methodist Women, President of the Membership Committee and President of the Administrative Board. Delores also served as a Lay Leader and joyfully sang on the choir and also played the piano. Delores was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Queen of Sheba Chapter #4, where she served as Worthy Matron. She also served as President of the Sharptown American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Unit #269. Those who shared the joy of life with Delores and remain to cherish her memories include: three sons, Cordell Davis (Debbie) of Seaford, DE, Russell Davis (Diane) of Orlando, FL and Mario Peters of Newport News, VA; two daughters, April Gaines of Columbia, DE and Lolita Peters of Jacksonville, NC; two god-daughters, Betty Jean Fooks of Salisbury, MD and Deanna Smiley-Morris of Copperas Cove, TX; one brother, Floyd “Pee Wee” Peters (Mamie) of Jacksonville, NC; one devoted cousin, Rosamae Smith Frazier (David) of Delmar, DE; one special granddaughter, Tashawna Gaines of Delmar, DE; one devoted nephew, Jeffrey Smiley; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and acquaintances. Preceding her in death were two brothers Charles “John Dee” Peters and Phillip Mitchell. Sorrowfully Submitted With Love ~ The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Delores Octavia Gaines, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Delores Octavia Gaines

May 24, 1933 - October 28, 2016