Lorea Gaines, affectionately called, ‘Momma Gaines’ was called to eternal rest on Friday, March 12, 2021 in Danbury, Connecticut. Lorea was born August 31, 1937 in Cheraw, South Carolina to the late Wallace and Marie Lee. She was the oldest of 12 children. She graduated from Colter High School in Cheraw, SC in 1957.
After graduating high school, Lorea relocated to the Bronx, New York, and was joined in holy matrimony to Theodore Gaines II in 1961. Lorea was a dedicated house wife, and in her union to Theodore were born, Tina Gaines-Abraham, Jgina Gaines, Theodore Gaines III, Kim Gaines-Chastine, and Carlton Gaines. Lorea was also a foster care mother to several children for many years. She was very active with the PTA at PS 87; and Riverside Church was her place of worship.
Lorea was a kind and loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. Her loyalty, and devotion to family and friends was evident to all. Lorea centered herself around her family as a great wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Whoever stepped foot on Grace Avenue you came across Mama. She would get on you if your pants were sagging, too much cleavage hanging out, using foul language, smoking “them drugs”, bouncing balls all hours of the night. She did it out of love each and every time. Tough love in every sense of the word. She always had a plate at her table for you whether she knew you or not.
Lorea was preceded in death by two siblings, Mell Parron, and Samuel (Sonny) Lee. She leaves behind her husband Theodore Gaines II (Bronx, NY), three daughters Tina (Robert) Gaines-Abraham (Salisbury, NC), Jgina Gaines (Concord, NC), Kim (Greg) Gaines-Chastine (Danbury, CT), two sons Theodore Gaines III (Bronx, NY), and Carlton (Laticia) Gaines (Waterbury, CT). She had seventeen grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Amber, Krystina, Gisele, Denise, Tiara, Theodore 4, Justin, Nathaniel, Jamar, Alijah, De’Asia, Xavier, Zada, Carlton Jr., Carlyn, Jakasia, Isabella, Tahir, Aveion, Jahzara, Jacob, DeAndre, Yahnira, Ariah & Hazel. She is also leaving behind sisters and brothers Dotsie Lee (Brooklyn, NY), Wallace Lee (Jamaica, NY), Earnest (Mary) Lee (Cheraw, SC), Barbara Lee (Brooklyn, NY), Simon (Easter) Lee (Cheraw, SC), Charlotte Lee (Brooklyn, NY), Lutricia Lee (Newark, NJ), Linda Lee (Brooklyn, NY), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Throughout her life, Lorea was a mother to all. Mama Gaines will never be forgotten.
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