01/30/2023
Portia Payne Gaines, 92, of Center, Texas, passed away Sunday, January 29th.
She was born Portia Payne on January 9, 1931 in Center, Texas. She was the second of four children born to A.J. (Jimmie) Payne and Coy Dellinger Payne, and she cast herself as the leader and boss and idea maker of her siblings. Many of those ideas landed them in trouble, but their adventures taught them much about life, and themselves. She loved her siblings deeply, and was so proud of them.
In 1948, Portia began attending Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. There, she studied English and Drama. She made many friends, and had many grand adventures. Some of those adventures included singing "You Are My Sunshine" with Jimmy Davis, and gathering with friends, and a then unknown Elvis Presley. Many of her college experiences remained in her fondest memories.
In 1951, at 19 years of age, Portia received a phone call from Mr. F.L. Moffet who asked her if she thought she might be able to take her blue jeans off long enough to teach school. Center Grammar School needed a teacher, and Portia was available. She wasn't planning on becoming a teacher, but she fell into the job beautifully. From 1951 to 1991, she was a beloved teacher in the Center Independent School District. She loved the job. She loved sharing her knowledge and love of reading with, and to, her students. So much so that she couldn't get enough. She continued teaching at Panola College as an adjunct professor until she was in her eighties. All in all, her career spanned over 60 years. She was the epitome of what an educator should be. Stern, but kind. Her students often remember her as a true inspiration.
In 1955, she married the love of her life, W.L. "Bill" Gaines. Spending any amount of time with them illustrated their love for each other, as well as their friendship. Portia and Bill enjoyed traveling together, golfing together, and most importantly, laughing together. Their proudest moment was the birth of their daughter, Jeannie. She brought them great joy, as well as their only grandchild, Emily. Portia was incredibly proud of her friends and family, and adored spending time with them. She was a force in her circles, and no gathering will be the same without her.
Portia Gaines, our darling Po, was a phenomenal human being. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and humor was felt by anyone she met. She loved with a love that was more than love, and her impact and legacy will be felt forever. She will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her and loving her.
She is survived by:
Daughter, Jeannie Gaines of Center
Granddaughter, Emily Glass of Center
Nieces:
Polly Brittain McKissick Montemayor, and husband Johnny, of Center
Jennifer Payne Figge, and husband Alan, of League City, Texas
Charlotte Payne Markowski, and husband Brent, of Albuquerque, New Mexico
Rachel Conway Hawkins, and husband Steve, of Longview, Texas
Lauren Figge of Dallas, Texas
Paige Figge of Nashville, Tennessee
Madison Payne of Plano, Texas
Dana Markowski of California
Holly Markowski of Montana
Elizabeth Hawkins of Longview, Texas
Nephews:
Jim Payne, and wife Jill, of Center
James Payne of Midland, Texas
William Hawkins of Longview, Texas
She is preceded in death by husband, W.L. (Bill) Gaines; parents, A.J. (Jimmie) Payne and Coy Dellinger Payne; sisters, Gloria Dell Payne and Patricia Payne Brittain; and brother James Allen Payne.
Memorial Services will be held at The Methodist Church on Porter Street in Center, Texas on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 10 am. Tim Verner and David Chadwick officiating.
Services under the direction of Watson and Sons Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
