Georgia Ann Gaines

The Four Agreements

1. Be impeccable with your word

2. Don’t take anything personally

3. Don’t make assumptions

4. Always do your best

Georgia Ann (Richardson) Gaines was born and raised in Bradenton, FL. She was the daughter of Johnny and Betty Richardson.

Georgia was educated in the Manatee County School district and graduated from Southeast High School in 1979. She then went on to attend Albany State University for a year, and then transferred to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Florida A&M University) where she graduated in 1985. During her time at Florida A&M University, she majored in accounting at the School of Business and Industry, and met Willie Gaines Jr. Georgia and Willie would then go on to marry each other in 1987 and lay roots in Palm Beach County, FL.

Georgia spent her professional career blending her two passions together; teaching and entrepreneurship. After a few years working in corporate America, Georgia made the switch to pursue teaching full-time after obtaining her Master’s in Mathematics Education from Nova Southeastern University in 1999. During the day, Georgia educated students as a math teacher, and in the evening, she ran multiple businesses that ranged from: tax preparation, food, tutoring, and real estate. With her time as an educator, Georgia taught in the public sector on the high school level at Santaluces High School and Lake Worth High School, and in the private sector on the college level at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. With her time as an entrepreneur, she founded and operated: Georgia Gaines Tax Services, and Granny’s Seafood Shack. In addition, she provided quality housing to families through real estate rentals, helped youth develop academically through private tutoring, and nourished hungry stomachs through food from private catering. Her last business venture was bottling the sauce named “Granny’s Seafood Shack Gourmet Sauce” which is sold online throughout the United States.

Georgia was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, where she joined as a member in 2001, under the West Palm Beach Alumnae chapter. Also, she was a member of the Florida A&M University National Alumni association. In addition, throughout her life, she was part of multiple church congregations as a member in the West Palm Beach area.

Georgia was a very outgoing person, with an inspirational personality. She enjoyed reading self-help and financial literacy books. Also, Georgia loved her Alma Mater, Florida A&M University. She often mentored and encouraged many students to pursue their college studies at Florida A&M University; including her own daughter. Most importantly, she loved to build relationships with people and had a caring soul. She often would organize gatherings and events to bring people together. During those gatherings, she would display her southern hospitality by cooking delicious foods, showering guests with gifts, and motivating people to pursue their dreams. She often would say, “Do what you love, and the money will follow” “Jump out on faith, you can have anything you put your mind to.”

Georgia’s legacy and memory are survived by her husband of nearly 35 years, Willie Gaines Jr. Two children, Kaylan and Raven Gaines. One grandchild, Hollis Gaines. Along with a host of siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, step children, in-laws, sorority sisters, and friends.