Gloria Shell Bain, 75, of Dinwiddie County, was welcomed into her heavenly home on January 29, 2022, after a short illness.
She was born and raised in Roanoke Rapids, NC and was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond & Virginia Shell of Roanoke Rapids NC; brothers, Walter (Litchfield, IL) and Bill (Roanoke Rapids NC); and grandson, Jim Bain of Dinwiddie.
Gloria was an amazing, stay-at-home mother who attended all of her kids’ activities as the loudest supporter, was the outspoken PTO president, and was Mama Bain to so many other children.
While being a wonderful mom, she also provided support to the family farm for decades including being the first female Coordinator for the State of Virginia office for the American Agriculture Movement, as displayed in the Smithsonian in DC.
She went on to work retail before settling in as the receptionist for Dinwiddie Middle School for 22 years.
Her gift was working with the students, and they brought her so much joy. Everyone knew when she was in the building that things would be taken care of, and their kids were safe.
Gloria was also known as a fabulous cook by her family, friends and community.
She believed if you cooked with love, it would always turn out perfect.
Gloria was a woman of Faith and put Jesus as the center of her life daily and that legacy was passed on to her children.
The most important part of her life and what she was best at was being a Mama to her four children.
She is survived by her son, Joe Bain (Jennifer) of Freeman, and daughters, Jenny Barnes (Michael) of Pendleton NC, Barbara Hale (Dennis) of Church Road and Carolyn Bain of Prince George. She has 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her siblings, Tonya Mahaffey (Chuck) of Chester, Billy Newton (Shari) of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and sister-in-law, Phyllis Shell of Litchfield, IL and many nieces, nephews and cousins who loved being with her and appreciated her for her frankness and wisdom. She also remained close friends with her former spouse and the father of her children, Billy Bain. She was an animal lover and rescued as many as she could including her current fur-babies Ranger, Moo-Kitty and Moxie whom she spoiled daily.
At this time there will not be a visitation and graveside services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of her passions: Dinwiddie Animal Control Drawer 70, Dinwiddie, VA 23841, Dinwiddie Special Olympics c/o Nellie Kee PO Box 299, Dinwiddie, VA 23841, or Sappony Baptist Church C/O Roy Lewis Jr. 9183 Huske Rd, Stony Creek, VA 23882. Arrangements are by Williams Funeral Home & Crematory of Lawrenceville, VA. Condolences may be expressed at www.williamsfuneralhomeva.com.