Jessica Ann Gaines

Jessica Ann Gaines of Waukee, Iowa passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2025 at the age of 74.

Jessica was born on July 5, 1950 to Robert Edward May Sr. and Margaret Mae May (McCraken) in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from North High School. She spent the majority of her career with the Des Moines Public Schools as a before and after school childcare provider. Jessica bestowed unconditional support and empowered her children to be creative and expressive, while always being there to offer encouragement. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, raising her kids, and time with her grandkids. In her quiet time, Jessica enjoyed knitting and loved crocheting anything from blankets and throws to Kleenex box covers and hot pad holders. She even learned to crochet used grocery store bags into purses.

Jessica leaves behind a legacy of love and family devotion. She is survived by her son, Dwight Jr. (Tammy) of Waukee; grandchildren, Anthony Thompson Jr. (Holly) of Adel, Tyler Thompson (Mariah) of Le Sueur, MN, Gabrielle Gaines of Waukee, Zachary Gaines of Waukee, and Trey Thompson of Waukee; great-grandkids, Bently, Mackenzie and Aiden of Le Sueur, MN, and Callum of Adel; sister, Caroline Robinson of Des Moines; brothers, Charles May of Des Moines, Mike May of Phoenix, AZ, Mark May of Waukee; niece, Bridgett Robinson; nephews, Robby Robinson (Cindy) and Clyde Duke, Jr.; adored cousin, Anthony Turner (Brian) of Staten Island, NY; the beloved McCraken family and many other cherished family and friends.

Jessica was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Dwight Sr.; daughters, Deanna Allen (Gaines) and Danielle Gaines; her parents; and brother, Robert May.

Visitation will be held on March 8, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial gifts may be made online to MercyOne Des Moines Foundation to honor MercyOne Radiation Oncology by selecting the Richard Deming Cancer Center designation. Please see link below.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print