MARTHA CABELL GAINES, or “Emma” as she was affectionately known, was born in Nelson County, Tyro, Virginia on Wednesday, June 15, 1927. She was the second of five children born to the late Robert Louis Cabell, Sr. and Flora Essex Cabell Allen. She passed away peacefully at Providence Hospital, Capital Caring Hospice on Saturday, September 11, 2021.
Emma received her education from the Nelson County public school system and graduated from Nelson County Training School in 1945. After graduating, she enthusiastically served as a substitute teacher at Cub Creek and Massies Mill Elementary schools in her hometown to enrich the lives of youths in the community. During this time, Emma was joined in holy matrimony to Eldridge L. Gaines (1946). From this union, seven children were born: Gloria, Jerome, Terry, Carlton, Glenda, Troy, and Gentri.
Emma grew up in a Christian family and joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church of Cub Creek at an early age. She remained a tithing member of the church until her relocation to Washington, DC in 1953. Emma happily raised her family and later sought employment with the United States Postal Service in 1965 where she retired after twenty-three years of service.
Emma’s quiet, unassuming, and generous personality was welcoming to all who knew her. She loved serving as hostess to family and friends for “get-togethers” which consisted of card and board games, good conversation and of course, good food. Traveling was also a highlight of her life! Emma and Eldridge visited Europe while their youngest son was stationed in Germany, as well as Panama and the West Coast. But, without a doubt, her favorite pastime was the casinos of Atlantic City, New Jersey. When she became ill and less mobile, the adventures declined, but the family ensured she was able to “drop a few coins” at the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, Maryland before she called it a day.
Emma was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-two years, Eldridge; one son, Jerome; one grandson, Kevin; and three siblings, Mark, Mary Magdalene, and Robert, Jr. She leaves to cherish her loving memory: six children, Gloria, Terry (Gwendolyn), Carlton, Glenda (Daniel), Troy (Maria), and Gentri; six grandchildren, LaJuan, Nicole, Nathaniel, Jessica, Dirk and Richard “Koji”; one great-grandson, Joshua Isaiah; one sister, Dorothy Giles; one brother-in-law, Garland; two sisters-in-law, Yvonne and Sarah; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18