Nancy Blakey Gaines

Nancy Blakey Gaines of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 8, 2025. She was the daughter of Victoria Downing Blakey and F. Paul Blakey of Louisville, Kentucky. Growing up in Kentucky, Nancy was a fan of big blue basketball, listening to Bluegrass music and a love for horses. A passionate reader, and life longer learner, Nancy graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in Secondary Education and taught second grade “across the bridge” in Jefferson, Indiana. It was in Louisville that Nancy met her future husband, James H. Gaines of Greenville, who was a student at the University of Louisville College of Dentistry. They were married in 1960 and had a wonderful and close relationship for 65 years.

After Jim’s graduation, Nancy and Jim spent two years in Texas and Missouri while Jim served as an Army Captain in the Dental Corps. Afterwards, they returned to Greenville where Nancy supported Jim in establishing his dental practice. Together they loved exploring state parks, travels to Europe, Asia, and Africa, along with educational studies through Road Scholar and always continuing to learn at Furman University’s OLLI courses. However, Nancy’s first love was her family (and her dogs). Their children, Victoria Gaines Ahnrud (Mark) and James Pendleton (Kathryn); their grandchildren, Stephen (Emily) and Evelyn Ahnrud, and Carter, Harrison and Banks Gaines; and great-grandson Mark Ahnrud, were always her first priority.

Nancy loved life, was an active participant in a variety of interests. She enjoyed meeting seniors as a Meals on Wheels volunteer and worked with women and children at Miracle Hill Ministries. She was a passionate member of Greenville Women’s Giving, Carillion Dance Club, the McCone Book Club, First Baptist Greenville and enjoyed playing contract bridge with her new friends at Cascades.

In addition to her dedication to family, she grew beautiful roses and was known as the “Rose Lady” of Stonehaven Drive. Fortunate neighbors and friends received bouquets of roses that she quietly left at their front door.

The service of remembrance will be held on Sunday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following the service, both held at First Baptist Church Greenville on 847 Cleveland Street.

In lieu of flowers, she requested support of Greenville Women’s Giving, an organization dedicated to assisting Greenville Arts, education, environment and health. Donations can be made to Greenville Women’s Giving at 10 S. Academy Street, Suite 350, Greenville, SC 29601 or www.greenvillewomengiving.org/donate.