Nancy C. Gaines
1942-2021
Nancy Ruth (Stogner) Coley Gaines passed away June 2, 2021 in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Nancy was born February 5, 1942 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Paul Mason Stogner and Ruth Maxine (Hamble) Stogner. The family moved from Temple, Oklahoma to Enid, Oklahoma in 1948. She was a graduate of Enid High School in 1960. Nancy attended Oklahoma State University and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. In 1962 she transferred to Oklahoma City University where she attained her B.S. degree in Education. She taught in the business education department at Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City from 1964 to 1968. While teaching, she attended Oklahoma City University (OCU) School of Law at night and attained her Juris Doctorate degree in January 1969.
Nancy began her legal career in 1973 as a title examiner for the Commissioners of the Land Office (School Land Commission of the State of Oklahoma). Nancy also taught a course in title examination at the OCU School of Law. She was a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association.
On December 16, 1977 Nancy married Paul Gordon Gaines in Oklahoma City. At the time of her death they had been married more than 43 years.
In 1977 Nancy was affiliated with American Guaranty Title Company and opened the first lawyer-based real estate closing company in Edmond, Oklahoma while continuing a private practice. She later created Consolidated Closing & Escrow Services in Edmond, which merged with Capital Abstract & Title Company in 1990. During her association in the real estate closing business, she often was a speaker at the Edmond Board of Realtors and an instructor in continuing education. She enjoyed helping new real estate agents in legal matters and was always available to give advice or counsel without charge. In 1993, she left the closing company and opened a private practice of law in Edmond. During this time, she assisted Jelsma Abstract Company in Guthrie, Oklahoma in establishing a real estate closing service. Nancy retired from practice in 2004.
Nancy enjoyed her involvement with the Edmond Genealogical Society, serving as Secretary for many years. She created several books on family histories and genealogies on her own family and her husband, Paul. Shortly after their marriage, they discovered that their families both came from Taylor, Mississippi (south of Oxford). They took several trips in Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas and Oklahoma, discovering their families and history. They also enjoyed traveling throughout these states in search of antiques and collectibles. They had an extensive collection of Roseville and Rumrill potteries.
Nancy was also a member of the First Christian Church of Edmond (Disciples), having moved her membership from Central Christian Church in Enid, where she participated in several Bible studies and enjoyed her many friends in her Sunday School class.
Nancy loved animals and throughout her lifetime she and Paul adopted many dogs and cats from shelters or that appeared on their doorstep.
Nancy is predeceased by her parents (Paul Mason, 1972, and Ruth Maxine, 1980).
She is survived by her husband, Paul, and their sons and daughters-in-law: Gore and Julie Gaines, Torrey and Shannon Gaines, Timothy Gaines, and David and Laura Coley. Nancy is also survived by her grandchildren: Casey Gaines, Colby Gaines, Katheryn Gaines, Hannah Gaines, Luke Gaines, Audrey Gaines, Grey Gaines, Alexis Coley and Alisa Coley.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 8th at 2:00 pm at First Christian Church of Edmond (Disciples) and a graveside service will be held immediately thereafter at Memorial Park Cemetery in Edmond, under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to First Christian Church of Edmond, P.O. Box 3548, Edmond, Oklahoma 73083 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.