Barbara Anne Gaines

Barbara Anne Gaines, age 79, born February 10th 1947, of Wilmington, formerly of Princess Anne County — Virginia Beach, VA and Santa Barbara, CA transitioned on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Barbara attended Del Tech and Santa Barbara Community College. She was known as “Ms. GM” from her years as an inspector at General Motors. She was quite fabulous, a real fashionista. She put the “D” in Diva. She enjoyed estate sales, gardening, and shopping till she dropped! Barbara, known affectionately by many as “Barbie” or “Deeda” was a devoted mom, grandma and friend to many. Though she never went by grandma — that was a bit old for her tastes she went simply by “Mom”. One can imagine how confusing family events may be with all the many children and grandchildren calling out “Mom”!

Barbara was preceded in death by her Father Roy Lee Mitchell; Mother Gracie Magdalin Mitchell (neé Owens); husband John Ellis Gaines (1985); daughter, Barbara Rose “Pasquale” Lacey (2021); her fraternal twin Bobby; 9 other brothers; and one baby sister who died before the age of one - Gloria Dean.

Barbara "Barbie" is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Lacey Wilmer, Sheneda L. Lacey and LaTanya C. Gaines; her sister, Edith Harvey; 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.

A Celebration of Barbara's Life will be held on Saturday, July 25 at Faith Harvest Worship Center, 1101 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE 19720. The visitation will begin at 10:30 and a service will follow at 11:30. Burial will be private.