Kate Elizabeth Gaines, 79, of Charles Drive, Appomattox, died Tuesday, December 24, 2019, at her residence.

Born in Farmville, Va., on June 4, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Beulah Holt and William Clement Gaines, Sr. She was a graduate of Wayne State University with a B.A. and Masters in Education. Katie furthered her studies in Early Childhood Education in London. She taught primary school for 13 years in the inner city of Detroit, Michigan and for 25 years in Appomattox. She was a talented person who loved teaching children. Katie chose to teach Kindergarten because she loved the joy and enthusiasm a five year-old brought to the classroom.

She is survived by two sisters, Bette Kay (Robert Joseph "Joe") Dixon of Frankfort, Indiana and Patricia Annette "Pat" Gaines of Appomattox. She was preceded in death by a brother, William Clement Gaines, Jr.

A private graveside funeral will be held at Westview Cemetery in Farmville.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Appomattox Rescue Squad, PO Box 57, Appomattox, VA 24522 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family was most appreciative of the loving care Katie received from her caregivers, Melanie Hoback and Patricia Harding.

Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com