Monique Gainer

Monique 'Mo' Gainer, 51, of Atlanta, GA lost her short, second battle with cancer on January 22, 2016. She fought until the final minutes, ending a life filled to the brim with family, friends, and fun. Monique was born on November 21, 1964 in Yokahama, Japan, the youngest daughter to Dorothy Baxley Gainer and then Capt. Giles W. Gainer, USAF. She came into the world with a beautiful spirit and bright green eyes. Her infectious smile developed before she was a year old. She made friends easily as she went through school, graduating from George Walton Comprehensive High School and Kennesaw State University. Monique was a caring individual, who took in people who were in need of a break, along with many stray cats. She lived large and never met a stranger. She traveled around the world three times and sampled every beer ever made. She was a social butterfly, always planning the next get-together or party. Her gatherings were legendary. With a laugh louder than life you could usually hear Monique before you saw her, but when you saw her, her smile and laugh were big and contagious. Monique beat breast cancer for seven years, living life even larger. She did things that frightened her, even riding the slingshot at the beach. Cancer returned, ravaging her body very quickly. She lost her battle, surrounded by family and a few of her closest friends. She was preceded in death by grandparents: Mamie and Lewis Baxley; Florence and Giles O. Gainer. She is survived by her spouse, Sheila Thacker, Atlanta, GA; and son, Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Wiggins, USN. Also surviving are: parents, Dorothy and Lt. Col. Giles W. Gainer, USAF Retired, Jacksons Gap, AL; sister, Cheryl Gainer McCall, Chipley, FL; nephew, Stephen McCall, Auburn, AL; in-laws, Donna and Harry Vernon Baker, Pikeville, KY; brothers and sister in-laws, MaLissa and Ronnie Damron, Chris Thacker, Harry and Tammy Baker, Matthew and Ashley Thacker all of Kentucky and David Fields of Rome, GA; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and numerous Baxley and Gainer cousins. Many will miss Monique's smile, friendly disposition, and friendship. She was a unique person who touched many lives and will always be remembered. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Northside Hospital for the care and compassion they provided. Donations may be made to Monique Gainer's Medical & Funeral Expenses Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/moniquegainer A celebration of Monique's life will be held February 27, 2016 at 5PM at Brockett Pub House, 4523 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Clarkston, GA 30021