Billie Jean Gaines

Billie Jean Gaines (Nichols), a beloved resident of Little Rock, Arkansas sadly passed away on April 10, 2025, in her home peacefully, surrounded by family. 

She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 19th, 1948, to Mildred Bell and Robert D. Nichols. After she was born, Billie was taken in and raised by her grandmother Jesse Nichols and lived in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Billie was a proud graduate of Horace Mann in 1966. Billie met Arthur Gaines throughout her childhood, grew up together, and eventually married him on January 3, 1970. With Arthur, she had three children (Rhonda Gaines, Arthur Gaines Jr. and Alyshia Gaines). After she was married, Billie lived in Germany and California then eventually moved back to Arkansas to be closer to family. Though she and Arthur eventually divorced they remained great friends. 

Billie had five grandchildren: Russell Jackson, Braylon Gaines, Bria Bonnette, Brennan Gaines and Xzavier Johnson. Billie loved all her grandchildren very much and played an essential hand in raising Bria and Xzavier. Billie also had a lot of “adopted” children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews throughout her lifetime. 

Billie worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield for 27 years when she retired in 2018, while there she made great friends and particularly enjoyed volunteering and participating in race for the cure with them year after year. In her free time Billie enjoyed making jewelry, spending time with family and shopping and exploring the River Market. Billie was a member at Full Counsel for many years and sung in the choir while there. 

Billie was most known for her kindness, love of God, gift of gab and her beautiful long nails. 

Billie was preceded in death by her son Arthur Gaines Jr., her sister Irene I. Merritt, her brothers Morris Bell, Johnnie Bell Sr. and Edward Bell. 

She is survived by two of her children Alyshia and Rhonda Gaines, two of her sisters Mildred Bell-Givens and Carolyn Bell, her grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends. Billie will be deeply missed but her legacy and memory will always be carried in our hearts.