Margaret Horton Gainey

Ethel Margaret Horton Gainey, age 89 of Bethune, S.C., passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, August 5, 2025, at The Retreat at Carolina Bay, Hartsville, S.C., surrounded by the love of her family and the comfort of a life well lived.

Born on October 8, 1935, to Ira Boyd Horton and Ethel Baker Horton, Margaret grew up with a deep appreciation for family and faith. She carried those values with her through the decades as a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Margaret attended business school in Columbia, S.C. During that time, she met the love of her life, James Levy “Bud” Gainey. They were married on September 5, 1958, and shared nearly 50 years of marriage before his passing in 2007. Together, they raised three children and always made a space for everyone at the table for Sunday dinner.

Margaret was a retired banker who began her career as a teller at the Bank of Bethune and worked her way up to Vice President, retiring after 30 years of service. During her career, she served as President of the National Association of Banking, Women’s Division and President of the South Carolina Banker's Association, Women’s Division. Margaret served her church, Timrod Baptist Church for many years as church clerk, treasurer and Sunday School teacher.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Levy “Bud” Gainey, and her siblings, William Alva Horton, Dr. Carroll Horton, Dorothy H. Benton and Dr. Ira B. Horton. She is survived by her children, James (Sue) Gainey, Dale (Pam) Gainey, and Denise (Robbie) Rollings; her seven beloved grandchildren, Daniel (Kayla) Gainey, Lindsey (Tom) Gainey, Hope (Patrick) Tyner, Casey Gainey, Travis (Laine) Gainey, Anna (Chris) Rollings, and Colt Gainey; seven great grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family and lifelong friends who will miss her dearly.

A funeral service to celebrate Margaret’s life will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 o’clock a.m. in the sanctuary of Timrod Baptist Church with visitation following in the church Family Life Center. The burial will be in the church cemetery. Rev. Jackie Knight will conduct the service.

The family ask that donations in her memory be made to the Woman’s Club of Bethune Scholarship Fund, c/o Stephanie Weikel, Treasurer, 2572 Bethune Road, Bethune, S.C. 29009 or Timrod Baptist Church, 4227 Timrod Road, Bethune, S.C. 29009.

The family extends a special thank you to Marcia Eriksson, the staff at The Retreat, and Crescent Hospice, for their compassionate care and unwavering kindness in Margaret’s final years.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C.