BALTIMORE - Elwood Plum Gaines, son of Dorothy Kelley and the late Thomas Hall, departed this life Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. He was 55. Born in Whaleyville, Elwood was adopted by Homer and Annie Gaines at the age of 6 months. He received his education in the Wilmington Public Schools and was a Howard High School graduate, Class of 1974. He was involved in various school activities including drama and music, and music being his favorite. Elwood went on to Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C., and majored in drama. In 1979, he successfully obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in drama. Thereafter, he relocated to Washington, D.C., and formed a group entitled "Love Station" with his Shaw buddies and roommates, Sam Taybron, Michael Howell, and Eugene Coston. He often stayed connected with his Shaw family by attending homecoming and other school activities. Elwood was occupied with many jobs, but he found his niche at the Washington "Metro" Transit Systems in D.C. where he also found an additional family. He retired after 25 years of service in 2000. Elwood moved to Millington in 1997 with his devoted partner, helpmate, and friend Sarah Johnson. There he shared life with Sarah and her children until his demise. He made many friends in the Kent County area where he acquired his nickname, "GEE." He leaves to cherish his memory, Dorothy Kelley of Frankford; four brothers, Thomas (Terry) Marshall of Philadelphia, Charles Marshall of Roxana, Alvin (Karen) Marshall of Georgetown, and Marvin (Rolina) Marshall of Frankford; a stepbrother, Irving Kelley of Milton; three sisters, Rosalee Handy of Selbyville, Maola (Herman) Waters and Diane (Charles) Lilliard, all of Frankford. He also leaves his companion, Sarah Johnson; stepchildren, JaNia and Robert Blakeney; granddaughters, ShaKaeria and Aniyah; a special goddaughter, Andi Glover, all of Wilmington; three uncles, Edward (Rosie) Hall of Frankford, Harrison Hall of California, and Herbert Hall of Philadelphia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Preceding him in death were his father, Thomas Hall; grandparents, Thomas and Esther Hall Jr.; adoptive parents, Homer and Ann Gaines; and a sister, Hazel Marshall Allen, A public viewing will be held Saturday, March 26, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Chestertown. A funeral service will be 1 p.m., Monday, March 28, in Calvary Pentecostal Church, Bishopville. For further information, contact the funeral home at (410) 778-2161.