Barbara Stanley Raines

Barbara Stanley Raines, age 94, beloved educator and volunteer, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024, in Nashville, TN. She was the second youngest of nine children, born on January 1^st, 1930, to Cooper Clancey Stanley and Gaynell Moore Stanley in Griffin, GA. She was the first baby born in 1930 in Spalding County, GA. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Cooper and Gaynell Stanley, her loving husband of 69 years Lee E. Raines, as well as 8 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughters Nancy (Scott) Raines and Cindy (Jimmy) Anderson, her grandchildren Maryann (Greg) Jones and Michael L. Miles, and her four great grandchildren Madelyn Douglas, Eli Douglas, Asa Douglas, and McKinnley Miles. Barbara also leaves behind many other relatives and friends alike. 

She and Lee exchanged their vows in a wedding ceremony on April 16^th, 1950, at the First Presbyterian Church in Griffin, GA. In October of 1950 they relocated to Gallatin, TN. To their union they welcomed two daughters, Nancy and Cynthia. She attended Middle Georgia State College in Macon, GA. There she was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and a cheerleader. She went on to complete her education at Trevecca Nazarene University with a master’s degree in education. Her commitment to nurturing young minds was evident through her dedication and devotion to teaching. She taught for over 30 years as an elementary school teacher in the Sumner County School System. Barbara was known for her kind and welcoming nature, always making others feel at ease. With a tireless work ethic and infinite patience, she touched the lives of countless children throughout her role as a teacher, having many stories to tell about her students.

A woman of strong Christian faith, she was a member of the First Baptist in Gallatin TN. After retiring from teaching, Barbara embodied the spirit of service through volunteering at Sumner Regional Medical Center for over two decades. With unwavering compassion and a warm smile, she dedicated countless hours supporting the hospital's gift shop and participated energetically in their bake sales.

Mrs. Raines loved her family, the children she taught in school and her Lord. The family would like to extend a special thanks to her caregivers: Alice, Joyce, Linda, Bobby, and Sharon

In lieu of flowers, the family please asks for donation to be made to Alive Hospice in Nashville or to the St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.

Barbara's life will be celebrated at the Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center, located at 584 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN, on February 3^rd, 2024. Visitation will commence at 11:00 AM and continue until 2:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place at Sumner Memorial Gardens, situated at 420 Albert Gallatin Ave, Gallatin, TN, starting at 3:00 PM.

Barbara Stanley Raines will forever be cherished in the hearts of her family, friends, former students, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy of kindness, patience, and love will live on through the many lives she positively influenced. As we bid farewell to this exceptional woman, let us remember her contagious laughter and enduring spirit. May her memory be an eternal source of inspiration for us all.