Margaret Hughes Gainey was born in Powhatan County Virginia on March 8, 1926. She was the youngest child of Claiborne Hughes and Evria Washington Hughes. Margaret accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized by Reverend Shelton Anderson and became a member of the Mount Pero Baptist Church in Powhatan Virginia. She attended school in Powhatan County.

While living in Queens, New York, Margaret met and married the love of her life in 1948. Lankford Gainey of Fayetteville, North Carolina. This union was blessed with two children, George, and Lana.

For many years Margaret worked in retail service in various stores and restaurants where she met many lifetime friends. She participated in PTA meetings and served on! many positions while living in Queens, New York. Margaret joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Queens where she was a faithful member for many years, later she joined St. Luke Baptist Church where she served as a Missionary and on the Women Day Committee. Then she and her husband moved their membership to the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Elmont, New York under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Herbert David Parker. Margaret served as a Missionary there as well because she loved helping others.

In 1988 Margaret and Lankford moved to Henrico County Virginia where they joined the Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Angelo Chatmon. After the passing of her husband, Margaret joined the First Mennonite Church of Richmond which is close to her home. First Mennonite welcomed her with open arms and lots of love. When she could no longer attend church, the pastor and members came to her home for prayers, singing, bearing gifts and fellowship. She believed God had placed her in First Mennonite. She remained a member until God called her home to her eternal rest.

Margaret loved her family and was always there to help them in so many ways when they needed her. She opened her home and her heart to all her family and friends. She was very generous with her giving wherever she saw a need.

Margaret was an avid traveler, trips including Tulsa Oklahoma, St. Croix Virgin Island, West Palm Beach Florida, and Nassau Bahamas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, eight of her brothers and sisters, Andrew Hopson, Carnell, George, Claiborne (Jake) Hughes, Mollie Overton, Annie Taylor, Charlotte Mayo, and Blanche Johnson.

She leaves fond memories of a life well-lived with her beloved children, George, and Lana Gainey-Gantt (Royal); one sister-in-law, Hazel Stubbs of Fayetteville, NC; a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friend one devoted friend and neighbor JoAnne Harper.

The Dash

By Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of his friend,

He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears,

but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that they spent alive on earth

and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars, the house the cash,

What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard; are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true in real,

And always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more,

and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile,

remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash,

Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

DON'T

Don't spend too much time mourning; tears are for the sad.

I left to be with Jesus, and this should make you glad.

Don't waste your hours grieving, no need to feel distress.

I'm tired of life frustration and had to get some rest.

Don't vex yourself with questions or try to reason why.

Life here for me has ended and it came time for me to die.

Don't lose the love I gave you; feed it with your care.

Well, it was devoted and spread everywhere.

To My Family:

Margaret

Expression of Gratitude

We wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for all acts of kindness, prayers, and support during our time of bereavement.

The Family