of Collierville, TN

November 10, 1948 - January 18, 2026

Mrs. Freda R. Gaines (Beggs), age 77, of Collierville, Tennessee, passed away on January 18, 2026, at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville after a long and courageous battle with illness. Born on November 10, 1948, in Blytheville, Arkansas, Freda lived a vibrant and full life marked by her deep love for family, dedication to her work, and joyful, adventurous spirit.

Freda grew up in the rural area surrounding Blytheville before moving to Proctor, Arkansas, where her father operated a cotton gin. Her family later relocated to West Memphis, Arkansas, where she graduated from West Memphis High School in 1966 and met her lifelong best friend, Sandra Curbo. She continued her education at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Southaven, Mississippi, and later attended Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Her academic journey laid the foundation for a successful professional career spanning several decades.

Throughout her career, Freda brought warmth, kindness, and professionalism to every role she held. She retired from Delta Medical Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, after 20 years of dedicated service in the Human Resources Department as a Benefits Specialist. Earlier in her career, she worked for Reeves & Reeves Law Firm and Razorback Concrete, both in West Memphis, Arkansas, where she met her longtime friend, Martha Hoover.

Freda's life was centered around those she loved most. She is survived by her devoted husband of 29 years, Danny Gaines, Sr.; her son, James Bradford (Brad) Grissom; her stepsons, Danny Gaines, Jr. (Mary) and Michael Gaines, both of Memphis, Tennessee; and her stepdaughter, Terrie Gaines McConnell (Todd) of Auburn, Alabama. She was a proud and loving grandmother to five cherished grandchildren: Laura Beth Grissom, Austin McConnell, Trey Gaines, Garner Gaines, and Brody Gaines.

She shared a close and loving bond with her sisters, Billie Fulton (John) of Mount Vernon, Missouri, and Carole Marcellini (Jerry) of Marion, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Frank Beggs and Edith R. Beggs; her sister, Edie Higgins; and her brother, William Frank Beggs, Jr.

Freda's zest for life was evident in everything she did. She had a passion for making jewelry a creative outlet that reflected her colorful personality and she never missed an opportunity to shop or travel somewhere new. Known for her big smile and genuine love for people, especially her family, she often said she took after her grandmother, who famously declared, ''If the car is leaving the driveway, I had better be in it!'' True to that spirit, Freda was always on the move.

A woman of faith throughout her life, Freda was a Baptist and most recently attended Collierville Baptist Church.

A funeral service honoring Freda's life will be held on January 29, 2026, at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, Arkansas.

 

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