Delores Marie Gaines

Ilion - Mrs. Delores Marie Gaines (Delo, Loie, Mother, Lois), 80, of Ilion, passed away peacefully at EverGreen Commons Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in East Greenbush, NY surrounded by her loved ones.
Delores was born on November 21,1943 in Philadelphia, PA, a daughter of the late Robert and Essie Owens Smith. She obtained a high school diploma with a business secretarial endorsement after attending the Philadelphia public school system. Delores was commenced in Holy Matrimony to Nick L. Gaines, Jr. a US Army Veteran.
For years, she and her family lived on DuPont Ave. in Paulsboro, New Jersey. In 1977, she and her family moved to Ilion, NY. She faithfully kept her promise & commitment to marriage and raising her 5 children. While keeping that commitment, she earned an Associates Degree in Human Services from Herkimer County Community College. She then obtained Retirement status from the Village of Ilion after serving the community as a Clerk Typist and HUD home improvement specialist for a total of 20 years. She was a community leader in the Village of Ilion; spreading the ideals of culture, diversity, and family. She would often visit the schools to educate the youth on family values and diversity by hosting public service events about the principles of Kwanzaa. Her fun and comical personality would often shine through by dressing up as TV sitcom characters to catch the attention of her youthful audience.
Delores Gaines began her walk with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ in her early childhood years. Although she has never set out to obtain any title of leadership; her great humble spirit and submission to God have been a magnet to compel bishops and pastors to appoint her to multiple levels of ministry. Throughout her life, she has done the work of the Lord in the capacity of an evangelist, prayer warrior, mother, administrator, singer, missionary, etc. She served her final years at St. Matthew's Temple COGIC as Mother Gaines under the leadership of Superintendent J. L. Griffin.
Delores is survived by her loving children, Nicholas Gaines III, Marda, Ronda, Lois, Tammy and Pastor Chae (Charylee); daughter-in-law: Sherita Gaines;her sister, Pastor Virginia Harris and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES:Friday, January 5, 20244:30pm - 6:30pm viewing hours6:30pm- 8:00pm expressions of love memorial serviceat St Matthew's Temple, 110 Washington St, Utica, NY.

Saturday, January 6th, 202410:30am - 11:30am viewing hours11:30am- 2:00pm Going Home Serviceat St Matthew's Temple, 110 Washington St, Utica, NY

Flowers may be sent to St. Matthews Temple COGICPastor J.L. Griffin c/o Delores Gaines, 110 Washington Street, Utica, NY 13502
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY 13357.
To leave condolences for Delores' family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com