Shirley Gaines was born on April 7, 1940, in East St. Louis, IL to the union of Edward and Agnes Stevens.

Shirley was educated in the East St. Louis School District, opting to sit for and received her GED. She continued to obtain several certifications and undergo various trainings to further her education throughout her career. She worked as a cook at Ralston Purina for 40 years and held various other positions at AG Edwards, ABM Janitorial and was currently an employee for the Senior Companion Program. Shirley dedicated her life to helping and serving others in any capacity she could.

At an early age, Shirley confessed a hope in Christ and remained a devout Christian leaning and depending on the word of our Lord Jesus Christ, she was a devoted member of the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church.

Shirley captured the attention of Mr. Nathaniel Gaines, affectionately known as Chili, and they were joined in holy matrimony on June 17, 1956. During their marriage, they became proud parents of three sons, Kenny Gaines, Mario Gaines and Timothy Gaines.

Shirley loved her community and always worked to uplift them; she never met a stranger. She always took the initiative to understand and know how her family was doing and did what she could to assist. She prayed continuously and always kept in touch.

On March 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, Shirley slipped away to be reunited with her parents, Edward and Agnes Stevens, her husband Nathaniel "Chili" Gaines, her sons, Timothy Gaines and Kenny Gaines, her sisters Nancy Stevens, Mae Vern Patterson, Diann Williams, Myrtle Lee, and Gloria Stevens, her brothers, Carvel Stevens and Edward Stevens, Jr., and countless other cherished loved ones.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memories one devoted son, Mario Gaines of East St. Louis, IL; three loving granddaughters, Shameka Love-Doxey (George) of Virginia, Sheena Gaines of East St. Louis, IL, Shonte Hand (Leonard) of Cahokia Heights, IL; her great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved her dearly.