Linda Lee Wilcher Gaines passed away peacefully at home with her family on May 7, 2023, due to complications from Lewy Body Dementia.
Linda was born in Hagerstown, Md. on June 23, 1947, and was the daughter of Master Sergeant Robert Lee and Catherine Wilcher. She traveled considerably in Europe and in the United States with them while her father was serving in the U.S. Army. She settled on the Eastern Shore of Maryland when her father retired from the military. She graduated from North Dorchester High School and received an Associate’s Degree from Goldie Beacom College.
She had two sons, John C. and Michael, and raised them in Federalsburg, Md. She worked at the Trinity Episcopal Church of Easton, Md., for the Bishop of Easton where she met the Rev. Charles and Jean Ellestad. Her friendship with the Ellestad family led her to opportunities in Frankfort, Kentucky, where she became the Administrative Assistant to the Rector, the Rev. Charles Ellestad. This critically important work was at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension. While employed there, Linda met Dr. Paul Gaines.
They were married for 26 years and shared a loving family with their four sons and the children of their sons. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who always put her family first. She loved being Nana to her grandchildren. Linda made a significant impact at Inorganic Ventures, where she served as a key executive. She was instrumental in relocating the company from New Jersey to Christiansburg in 2009. She was a visionary in long-term sustainability and growth through ownership restructuring. Linda’s work in this capacity was critical in the subsequent success of Inorganic Ventures.
Linda is survived by her husband, Dr. Paul Gaines; her brother, Bobby Wilcher (Kay); and her sister, Kelly LeCates (Daniel). She also is survived by her sons: Chris Gaines (Mary Kate), Michael Scott, Greg Gaines (Lynne), and John C. Scott (Michelle). She was blessed with numerous grandchildren, among whom are Brittani and Phillip Scott; Ben, Katie, and Jena Scott; Evie and Brodie Gaines; Dylan, Avery, and Emerson Gaines. Memorial Service will be held at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 13. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Hopkins’ Economics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Services (HEADS) Center. Johns Hopkins is the leading organization for dementia research.