Nina Lou Gaines

Nina Lou Gaines, 86, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026.

Nina was born on July 7, 1940, in Gore, Oklahoma, to Charlie and Rosella Teehee, who preceded her in death. She was raised in Gore and graduated from Gore High School before attending Muskogee Beauty College. Throughout her life, she remained deeply connected to her roots, family, and Cherokee traditions.

Nina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Mack Gaines; her son, Brian Gaines; her parents, Charlie and Rosella Teehee; and her siblings, Nineen Perryman-Teehee, David Teehee, and Johnson Teehee.

She is survived by her children, Gerald and Carmell Gaines and Rowenna Gaines; her grandchildren, Meagan Gaines, Jerrod and Felicia Gray, Lillian and Brady Brobst, and Josh and Samantha Gaines; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Brodie Gaines, Codie Gaines, Cierra Gaines, Nevaah Gray, Samuel Gray, Harrison Brobst, Elias Brobst, and Ezekiel Brobst.

Nina retired from Bama Pie, where she worked faithfully for many years. She was also actively involved with the Redbird Smith Ceremonial Ground, where she found great fulfillment in preserving traditions and spending time among family and friends.

Nina enjoyed traveling, playing bingo, and spending time with those she loved. Her greatest joys in life were her family and her pets. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her unwavering devotion to her children and grandchildren, her strength, and the kindness she showed to everyone she met.

Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she cherished so deeply. Though she will be greatly missed, her memory will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from Noon until 8:00 p.m. at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at the Redbird Smith Ceremonial Grounds in Gore, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Redbird Smith Cemetery in Gore, Oklahoma.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time as they celebrate the life and legacy of Nina Lou Gaines.

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear."

May she rest in peace.