Marguerite "Mickie" E. Gaither, 73, of Lakeland, FL, formerly of Hillsboro, died on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 peacefully at her home, surrounded by family.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. (eastern time) at the Lakeland Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held (and live streamed) following visitation at 3 p.m. (eastern time). Burial will be at Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Gaither was born on Jan. 26, 1949 in Hillsboro, to the late Vernon L. and Marguerite (Gallagher) Terneus. She married Warren “Mike” Gaither, and together they enjoyed a loving marriage, retirement in Florida, watching movies and spending time with their family.
Mrs. Gaither is a graduate of Hillsboro High School, and worked as a bank teller at Hillsboro National Bank and as a bookkeeper for the Regional Office for Education. She was incredibly artistic and creative.
While living in Hillsboro, she was instrumental in the development of the Academic Achievement Bowl in the State of Illinois and loved designing and building floats for the Old Settlers Kiddie Parade each year.
After retiring to Lakeland, FL, Mrs. Gaither enjoyed many trips to Disney World and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She used her creativeness to host many magical events and themed parties for her children and grandchildren. Her love and dedication to her family will be treasured forever.
Mrs. Gaither is survived by her husband, Warren Gaither; her three children, Theresa (husband Kevin) Lougachi of Oak Park, Jeff (wife Shellie) Gaither of Orlando, FL, and Amy (husband Michael) Smith of Bartow, FL; eight grandchildren, Casey Gaither, Maggie Gaither, Hannah Gaither, Norah Lougachi, Samantha Smith, Sheridan Smith, Molly Kate Gaither and Sophia Smith; two brothers, Vernon "Bud" Terneus of Hillsboro and Tom Terneus of Chesterfield, MO.
Along with her parents, Mrs. Gaither was preceded in death by two brothers, Larry Terneus and John Terneus; and one sister, Dorothy Gunn.
