Obituary: Mary Lynn Dickson Frazier Gaines

Mary Lynn Dickson Frazier Gaines, a longtime resident of Oak Ridge, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on April 9, 2014, after suffering a short illness. Mrs. Gaines’ life spanned all or portions of 10 decades.

She was born in Henderson County, Tenn., to Earl D. and Ethel Dickson. Mrs. Gaines came to Oak Ridge in 1946 after marrying her first husband James Lee Frazier in August 1945. Mr. Frazier began work at the K-25 facility in October 1944 shortly after being discharged from the Army during World War II. Three children were born of this union, Lanny Frazier of Oak Ridge, Terry Frazier of Oak Ridge, and Sherry Frazier Harrison of Nashville, all survivors.

Mrs. Gaines was devoted to raising and taking care of her children. Mr. Frazier passed away in April, 1974, after 29 years of marriage.

Mrs. Gaines then married Samuel Lattimore Gaines, also a longtime resident of Oak Ridge and a World War II veteran. They were also married for 29 years until Mr. Gaines passed away in June 2005 at age 86.

At the time of her second marriage, adult stepchildren were added to the family, Elizabeth Harris of Fort Mill, S.C., Samuel L. Gaines of Knoxville, Keith Gaines of Knoxville, and Glenda McNeal of Oak Ridge, all surviving.

Mrs. Gaines was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Imogene Dickson, who passed away as a child of two in 1924; and brothers Roy M. Dickson and Charles Dickson.

She is survived by a brother, Glenn Dickson of Maryville, Tenn., and sisters, Sue Pickens of Franklin, Tenn., and Shirley Smith of Highland, Ind. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, and special great-grandchildren Erica Raths, Emily Matthews, and Laura Matthews.

Mrs. Gaines is a descendant of the Hardeman family who helped settle West Tennessee. Her third cousin was N.B. Hardeman, a renowned theologian and educator who was a founder of Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn. She is also survived by first cousins Jim Patterson of Tullahoma, Tenn., and Fred Patterson of Paris, Tenn. A special friend was Mrs. Meredith Jordan of Oak Ridge, who passed away in May 2013.

Mrs. Gaines was very devoted to her family, and she loved children. Her past time was to make a better life for her children, which she accomplished. Later years of great love with Mr. Gaines allowed for travel and fun times together. Mrs. Gaines saw many changes in her life from the depths of the Great Depression through World War II and then her life in Oak Ridge, which she cherished.

The graveside service was held Saturday, April 12, at 1 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park with her daughter, Reverend Sherry Harrison and Reverend Rosemary Brown officiating.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Oak Ridge. An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com.