Mary Inez Gainey

Mary Inez Gainey passed away at her home on Monday, September 18, 2023.   Inez was a lifelong resident of DeFuniak Springs, born on September 29, 1933, to parents Noah and Rosie Rushing.  She attended Valley View school in the late 1930s and then began work in a sewing factory in Florala.  She continued being involved in the area through work at Showell Farms and then time employed with the Walton County Sheriff’s Department, from which she retired.  

Inez was married to John William “JW” Gainey, and they had four sons together.  She was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.  

Family, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, was incredibly valued by Inez.  She loved to cook, and she found great joy in large family gatherings – especially Thanksgiving and Christmas.  She was always on mission to make sure everyone was well fed.

She will always be remembered as a hard-working, giving, and loving lady.  She enjoyed fishing, gardening, putting up vegetables, and spending time with her pets through the years.  But time with her boys and their families was of the utmost importance to her.  Only a short time ago she was still riding the 4-wheeler down to the fishing pond to fish with family.  She was dedicated to them through thick and thin. 

Inez was predeceased by her husband, JW Gainey, a son, Rocky Allen Gainey, two brothers, Tellis and Coy, a sister, Irene, and a brother-in-law, Henry Burke.

She leaves behind three sons, Ronnie (Gloria), Rusty (Charlotte), and Rex Gainey, a brother Kirby Rushing (Sue) and a sister, Rachel Burke. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Misty Mohr (Bert), Michael, Clint, Henry (Heather), Heather, Corbin, Tiffany, Jessica, and Hunter (Kimi Rae), and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Graveside service is being held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 11:00 AM at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.  Flowers are being accepted.  

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