Ms. Janet Stancil Gaines, 81, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, died Monday, April 26, 2021, at Pinehurst Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Eternal rest, Eternal peace Heavenly promises sent to those who live in love and serve, enjoy a life well spent. Her life of love and service impels our hearts to sing, “O grave, where is your victory, O death, where is your sting”.

Janet Stancil Gaines was born in Scotland County, North Carolina on July 29, 1939, and was raised in the Jackson Hamlet Community of Pinehurst, North Carolina. Born to the union of the late Walter and Nezzie Stancil, she was the youngest of eleven siblings. Her early Christian life began as a member of Christ Memorial Baptist Church in the Jackson Hamlet Community.

Janet received her early education in the Moore County Public schools, graduating from Berkley High School, in Aberdeen, North Carolina in 1957. She later continued her studies at Durham Business College, receiving an Associate Degree in Business Administration. West Southern Pines High School is where Janet first began her working career. She later became employed at Morrison Youth Institution (formerly Morrison Training School) as a Correctional Program Administrative Assistant, certified by the Criminal Justice Department where she worked for thirty years, until her retirement.

In 1971, Janet joined Trinity AME Zion Church, and remained an active member until her illness would no longer allow her to continue her active status.  During her tenure at Trinity, Janet served as the local Missionary President of the Missionary Department, served as advisor of the Young Adult Choir, and was a member of both the Senior and Gospel choirs. Other clubs and boards in Trinity that she served on included, the Methodist Women’s Club, Stewardess Board, Board of Christian Education, Assistant Class leader, and in 1995 was appointed as District President of the Missionary Department, serving over twenty-three churches.

In addition to her busy work and church activities, Janet had found time for civic work where she served on the Advisory Council of Southern Pines Elementary School.  She was also a member of the State Employees Association of North Carolina, a member of the American Correctional Association, the North Carolina Women’s Task Force, and she accepted the invite to become a member of the Community Helpers Club of West Southern Pines. She enjoyed being a part of this club as it was an outreach of her missionary work.

Janet loved her family, singing, interior design, her church family, and working in her yard. She would often mention how she “can’t wait until the day when the business of making a living would not interfere with her service to others”. 

She was a devoted mother and grandmother who was called home on the afternoon of April 26, 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Beryl Gaines Hinson (Alfred) with granddaughter, Tyler C. Hinson; preceded in death by her son, Todd Cecil Gaines, Sr.; daughter-in -law, Kim W. Gaines and granddaughter, Aliyah N. Gaines and grandson, Todd C. Gaines, Jr. “TJ”; sister, Betty S. Camp; brother, William “Billy” Stancil (Margaret); special cousin, Casey Stancil Elliott; special friend, Cynthia A. McDonald; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and longtime family friends.