Ola Virginia Gaines was born February 8, 1930, in the Mangohick District of Aylett, VA. She was the daughter of the late Henry Gaines and the late Glycie Robinson Gaines. She was educated in King William County at the Beulahville Training School, one of the 5000 schools created through the Rosenwald Program to educate Black students in Virginia and other states. She always enjoyed reading and even in her 91st year of life, she found many interesting books and articles to read. She enjoyed talking, meeting people, and checking on the family to “pass a few words with you.” Ola Gaines joined Providence Baptist Church as a child. In the the 60s 70s and 80s she was most active. She was an actively involved by attending every program offered by the church and supporting her brother, Deacon Raymond Gaines. As some health challenges persisted, she always attended and supported the church in her local community. She loved to sing and always had a song ready during worship.

Over the years, Ola worked in the hotel/hospitality industry, spending years working at the John Marshall Hotel. After years of hard work and dedication, she successfully retired and lived over 35 years in retirement. She was a long-time resident of the Saint Francis Home in Richmond, she was well-known, respected, and loved.
Ola Gaines remained strong in mind, body, and spirit. She loved her family and believed in service and giving honor. All her life, she honored and served her parents until their death. Ola Gaines lived and fulfilled the scripture, “Honor thy Father and Mother that your days might be long…”
She departed life on Friday, November 5, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents and all her brothers and sisters: George Sr., Robert, Mary Estelle, Nancy Anna, Gladys, and Raymond Gaines, Sr.

She was preceded in death by daughter, Jean Pace and son Curtis Pace, Jr.

Ola leaves to cherish her memory three daughters Linda Pace of South Florida; Cynthia Pollard of Atlanta, Georgia; Doris Scroggins (Vernon), Richmond, Virginia; and one son, O’ Conner Pace of Raleigh, NC. She also leaves behind one sister-in-law, Sarah Gaines as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Rev. Kenneth Robinson (PA).
Six Grandchildren; Verna Belinda Christopher, Charlene Bates (Thomas), Danielle Pollard, Yvette Lucas (Carlton), Curtis Nelson Pace, III (Colleen), and Brandon Pace. Thirteen Grandchildren and Twelve Great – Great-Grandchildren.