Jean Gaines

Jean Sugg Gaines, 72, of Spartanburg, died Friday, October 23, 2009, at her home. Born December 3, 1936, in Rocky Mount, NC, she was the daughter of the late George Turner and Elsie Pettitt Sugg. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Paul Morris Sunday School Class. She graduated from Rocky Mount High School and Spartanburg Junior College. After graduation she worked at Milliken for a short time. From there she embarked on a 30-year career as a devoted Mother. In 1993, she attained her real estate license and went to work with Cleveland-White Realtors. Over her 16-year career in real estate, she achieved many distinctions for outstanding sales and was known for her sharp skills. Over the years Jean devoted time and resources to many charitable causes. She was a Mobile Meals volunteer in the earliest days of the organization. She served on countless boards and committees, always with a keen interest in helping those less fortunate than herself. Jean was a woman whose talent knew no bounds, and she had a special knack for taking ordinary items and making them beautiful. She loved to decorate, and every room of her home is filled with her personal touches. She was a long-time member of the Ivy Ring Garden Club and won many awards over the years for her beautiful flower arrangements. Jean is survived by: children, Walter Perry Gaines, II and his wife Michalena of Taylors, SC, and Mandy Gaines Phillips and her husband Robert of Spartanburg; grandson, Theodore Ravenel Phillips of Spartanburg; two sisters, Charlaine Sugg Holcombe of Conyers, GA, and Josephine Sugg McConnell of Macon, GA. She was preceded in death by her sister, Cora Sugg Chellis. Also surviving is her longtime companion, Dr. James Fulton Crumpler of Atlantic Beach, FL. The family would like to thank Jim for his love and devotion for Jean and for the care he provided her during her brief illness. A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 5:00 pm. Honorary Escort will be members of the Paul Morris Sunday School Class. The family will receive friends between 3:00 and 4:45 pm in the church parlor. Interment will be at the family cemetery in Pinetops, NC, at a later date. No flowers please. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Bethlehem Center, 397 Highland Avenue, Spartanburg, SC 29306; or to Spartanburg Methodist College Foundation, 1000 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jean Sugg Gaines please visit our Sympathy Store.