Gloria F. Gaines

Gloria F. Gaines, 84, of Pryor, passed away on February 11, 2025. She was born on March 12, 1940, in Huntsville, Arkansas, and dedicated much of her life to caring for others as a medical assistant. In November 1961, Gloria married the love of her life, William Junior Gaines, and they shared a wonderful marriage until his passing in 2008. Together, they served as ministers for 38 years, passionately spreading God’s word and touching many lives along the way. Gloria worked for St. Francis for a few years in Tulsa before moving to Arkansas, where she spent two decades working at Northwest Medical Center. Beyond her profession, she embraced life with a quick wit and a love for simple joys—fishing, quilting, and finding treasures at garage sales, always negotiating for the best deal. After the passing of William, she married Otis Griffith, and together they spent countless hours at the senior center in Springdale, Arkansas, playing bingo and making cherished memories. For the past five years, Gloria found great joy and community at Extreme Church. She loved unconditionally, with her whole heart, and was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love and faith were unwavering, and her legacy of kindness, laughter, and devotion will forever be cherished by those who knew her.

Gloria is survived by her sons, Donny Gaines and Cindy of Cleora, OK, and Ronnie Gaines and Mylisa of Pryor, OK; her daughter, Twila Gaines and Macklyn Gaines of Pryor, OK; her brothers, Winford Phillips and Linda of Springdale, AR, and Tommy Phillips and Ann of Springdale, AR. She was a proud grandmother to Will Gaines and Carli, Chris Gaines and Madison, Cassandra Moore and Aaron, Bo Gaines and Bailey, Kimberlyn Herndon and Daniel, Corbin Stephens, Madison Stephens, Kolbie Stephens and Lacy Eads. She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sherwood and Velma Phillips, and husbands, William Junior Gaines, and Otis Griffith. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Extreme Church in Pryor. A private family burial will follow the service in Arkansas with her grandsons serving as casket bearers. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2025, at Shipman’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gloria’s name to the Extreme Church Outreach Program, mailing address: 15 S. Adair, Pryor, OK 74361. To leave her family a message, please visit her Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.