Rev. Gaines

Funeral services for Rev. Willie Gaines of Mansura will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Salam Baptist Church in Bunkie, beginning at 11:00am. Visitations will take place prior to the funeral service, beginning at 9:00am, at the church. Burial services will take place at the First Union Baptist Cemetery in Bunkie after the funeral. Rev. Willie Gaines was born on August 11, 1952 at Huey P. Long, to Martha Williams Kelly and Bill Beverly. As a baby he was adopted by Viola Clearance Gaines, whom preceded him in death. In 1973 he married Delores Nash, and to that union, three beautiful children were born. Through another union with Dorothy Lavalis, one son was born, along with two step sons. He was called to preach at an early age. He was also a minister in music as well as the word. Mourning his departure, but cherishing his memories; are his mother, Martha Williams Kelley, also Donna Lewis Gaines who loved and cared for him, six children; Tracy Gaines Mitchell Roderick of Montgomery, Theresa Gaines Wyatt Travis of Shreveport, Terry S. Gaines LaShonda of Montgomery, Tony Gaines Lavalis Kayla of Marksville, Elaine Fields Damian of Houston, TX, and Taronza Helmas of Alexandria; three brothers, Lennie Ray Williams whom proceeded him in death, Larry Lee Roy Williams Rose of Seattle, WA, Michael Kelly Cynthia of Alexandria; sister, Donna Marie Williams Willie of Alexandria. Also Mrs. Olivia Jackson of Bunkie, James L. Johnson, his step-father, whom also proceeded him in death, three step-brothers, four step-sisters, and two step-sons, Wayne Michael Lavalis, fifteen grandchildren, a total of nine nieces and nephews, a host of other relatives and friends, and some sixty to seventy great-grand nieces and nephews. The family is also grateful to Ms Helen Wilson, whom cared for him until his departure. Services and funeral arrangements are under the directions of Escude Funeral Home.