Earnestine “Shorty” Gaines, age 77 of Arley, passed away July 9, 2025 at her residence. She was born October 18, 1947 to Richard and Athel Rivers. Shorty was a member of Kemp Baptist Church. She enjoyed working with youth ministry. Her hobbies consisted of going to watch her children and then grandbabies play sports or perform with the band. She loved her family and always was very supportive of them.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Arley Congregational Christian Church, where the service will begin at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be at the adjoining cemetery. Brother Robert Partridge and Brother Fred Rivers will officiate.
Pallbearers will be Bob Howard, David Rivers, Gary Rivers, Danny Rivers, Chuck Rivers, and Tommy Beemon.
Shorty is survived by her husband of 58 years, James Allie Gaines; son, Butch (Mary) Gaines; daughters, Angie (Clifton) Rudd, Jamie (David) Brock; grandson, Cody Gaines; granddaughters, Joni (Blaire) Rudd, Sabrina (Aaron) Farmer; and honorary family member, Amy Glenn Frazier.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Athel Rivers; sister, Christine Howard; and brothers, Fred Rivers and Charles Rivers.