Ollie Mae Gainey

Ollie Mae Gainey, age 93, entered eternal rest on April 4, 2026, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, SC. The strength she displayed during her prolonged illness was inspiring to those around her.

Ollie Mae was born in Florence County on November 18, 1932, and attended Florence County public schools. At a youthful age she accepted Christ and joined Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Timmonsville, SC. She eventually moved to Florence, SC and joined New Zion Baptist Church where she was affectionally known as one of the golden girls. Her love of gospel music led to singing in each church choir.

In 1950, Ollie Mae married Dozier Swinton who preceded her in death. From their union Rudolph and Shirl were born. In 1966 she married Carlie Gainey Sr who also preceded her in death. From their union Carlissa was born. Her blended family included Ikesha, Mary, Carlyle, Ruby, Randolph and Besty.

Ollie Mae was extremely independent. At an early age she learned to work hard and eventually take on whatever job available to support the family. She was employed in several places over the years, the last being a machine operator for forty-two years at Tyler Plywood in Florence, SC.

Even at the age of ninety, Ollie Mae showed an ability to connect to anyone when she did a heartwarming TikTok restaurant food review. She found joy in cooking and eating simple food and drinks with her favorite including fried chicken and diet coke. She also loved shopping at thrift stores and gathering items to sell at the local flea market. She leaves behind a bunch of stuff that her family has no idea what to do with.

Ollie Mae was also preceded in death by her parents; Warren and Willie Mae Hicks McLeod, three sons; Randolph Gainey, Rudolph Swinton and Carlyle Gainey, two daughters; Mary Reynolds and Ruby Baldwin, a grandson, Charles Martin, a great grandson, Antonio DeShawn Martin, three brothers; Willie McLeod, Charles McLeod and David McLeod, Sr., four sisters; Moella Martin, Coretha Lee, Alberta Mcleod and Lillie Moore.

Ollie Mae is deeply mourned by her daughters; Shirl (Kevin) Gholston of Chattanooga, TN, Carlissa (Garry) Ortiz of Orlando, FL, Ikesha (Vanny) Robinson and Betsy Bailey of Florence, SC, sixteen grandchildren; Ryan Gholston of Chattanooga, TN, Melitta (Cameron) Wood and Garry Ortiz Jr of Orlando, FL, Taino Ortiz of Raleigh, NC, Mercedes Wu of Honolulu, HI, Victoria Robinson (Damaino)Thomas, Jolissa Robinson, Nicholl Gainey and Kevin (Paula) Bailey of Florence, SC, Greg (Donna) Martin, Monia Bailey, Nicholas Gainey, Myree Baldwin and Colon (Alicia) Baldwin, Jr of Wyandanch, NY, Richard Reynolds, Jr and Earl Reynolds of Bay Shore, NY, twenty nine great grandchildren, three sisters; Buleah Gordon of Stockbridge, GA, Carolyn Smith and Lottie McLeod of Jersey City, NJ, one daughter in-law, Linda Gainey and one son in-law, Colin Balwin of Wyandanch, NY and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

We will celebrate her life and find comfort that she is in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Please keep the family of Ollie Mae Gainey in your thoughts and prayers.