Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr., of Cincinnati, Ohio transitioned on to Glory on Monday,February 10, 2014 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his wife and children. Bishop Gaines was born in Lexington, Kentucky on November 20, 1942 to the late Charles Thomas Gaines Sr. and the late Virgie Mae (Arnold) Brown.
At an early age, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was a member of Consolidated Baptist church where he ministered through singing in the choir and Young Adult Ministry. He attended Douglas High School and in 1960 he enlisted into the United States Army and completed his tour in 1962. Bishop Gaines loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was very athletic and loved many sports including basketball, karate and was an avid golfer.
God's favor on Bishop Gaines' life was realized one sunny afternoon when his Aunt Margaret brought home a special lunch guest. Life would never be the same. This guest so
beautiful, so eloquent, and so kind, that Bishop Gaines, could not help but pursue this magnificent woman. Standing outside of his Aunt Margaret's house in his signature pink
shirt, he met the twinkle in his eye, JonElla Devine of Versailles, Kentucky and the courtship began. On March 4, 1967, Bishop Gaines married the love of his life, his soul
mate, his best friend, JonElla Devine, in Lexington, Kentucky. From this love union, four children were created, Ranse, Anthony, Meichelle, and Michael. This union also blended a family of four children to a family of ten including, Charles III, Tonya, Alicia Renee, Cheryl, Jacqueline, and Dwight.
Bishop Gaines was employed with the Good Samaritan Hospital and then Eastern State Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky until 1968 when he and his family relocated to Cincinnati,
Ohio. He made his mark on his community by utilizing his diverse skills, talents, and his uncanny intellect. In the early 1970's Bishop Gaines became a barber. Not long afterward he became the owner and the sole proprietor of the infamous Ebony Barber Shop located on Mitchell Avenue. Many remember that the barbershop became his pulpit, and anyone
sitting in the chair became the waiting congregation. If you wanted a haircut, you had to be prepared to hear about the goodness and the greatness of God. This impact has made a lasting impression on an entire generation of men young and old.
In 1978 Bishop Gaines accepted his calling into the ministry under Pastor Larry Bradley of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. From here, he found his home at the First Baptist
Church of North College Hill under the late Pastor Edward Jones. Bishop Gaines went on to pastor three churches prior to March of 1992. On March 2, 1992, Bishop Gaines became
the Founder and Senior Pastor of the United Community Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Covington, Kentucky. He remained Founder and Senior Pastor for 21 years until he retired on March 24, 2013. . Even after retirement, Bishop Gaines and Minister JonElla Gaines did not stop teaching, preaching, guiding and leading. In Houston, Texas they joined Unity Spirit Community Church, where he served as the spiritual advisor to the Pastor Stephen Phillips and Bishop C. Phillips.
Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr., had the ability to impact the community and etched an imprint on the tri-state area that can never be forgotten. It became evident that the
"pulpit" was not located in his church building, it was planted in his heart. His work in the community is so extensive volumes can be written about his innovation, leadership, and advocacy Bishop Gaines would say, "If you do not have anyone following you – you are not a leader!" This was evident in the many leaders that emerged under his mentorship. His leadership works include everything from the Director of the Eastwood and Skyline Acres Community Centers to the Educational Liaison for Notre Dame Academy, Board of
Trustees for the Hamilton County Community Action Agency and to being the First Regional Director of The Northern Kentucky Regional Convene for the Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
"If you have children – you have a future," Bishop Gaines lived these words through his work with youth. He served as an educational advocate for students in the tri-state area,
coached youth sports, collaborated with Covington Independent School District to provide alternative educational paths, and Facilitated "Let's Talk" with youth serving in the Hamilton County Juvenile Institution. He was a youth advocate for Kenton County and Hamilton County Juvenile Court Systems. Many of his ventures were recognized and honored by organizations such as the NAACP, Families Forward, Seven Hills Neighborhood House, the Community Action Agency of Hamilton County, and while serving as Precinct Executive of the Hamilton County Democratic Party.
Education was an area of high importance to Bishop Gaines. Although he attended Douglas High School, he did not graduate with a traditional high school diploma. Instead,
he received his license for barbering from Moeller Barber College in Cincinnati, Ohio, received several medical field certifications, all before earning a diploma. In 1984, he
obtained his General Education Diploma (GED). Then, at the young age of 65, Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr., earned his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Cincinnati Christian College.
Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr. loved his family with an unfailing passion! Leaving to carry on his legacy multigenerational blessed seed of favor is the one and only, love of his life, the woman who stood by his side, and never wavered in faith or devotion to God or to him for 47 years, his wife, Minister JonElla (Devine) Gaines. He leaves to celebrate his life on this earth, six brothers: Rev. Robert (Marion) Brown Jr., Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Dwight (Angela) Brown; Troy (Karen) Gaines; Kenneth Brown; Tony (Lakesia) Gaines; and Daryl Gaines, eight sisters: Mildred Porter; Beverly Darneal; Valerie (Joseph) Bradley; Deborah (Steven) Phillips; Virgie Demeritte, Velois Gaines; Monica (Rodney) Bryant; Eyvone (Leonard) Harris; One aunt, Margaret Givens, two uncles: Shirley (Renee) Arnold, and George Arnold Jr.; His father-in-Law John Devine; brothers-in-law: Robert Jones, Gordon Devine, Melvin Banks, and Kevin Cole; sisters-in-law; Dorothy Gaines, Barbara Banister, Yvonne Taylor, Mary Hale, Betty Clay, Francis Banks, and Gayle Cole.
His Legacy Trailblazers include ten children: United States Marine (Retired) Rev. Charles Thomas Gaines III (Andrea), Tonya Bourrage, Alicia Renee Gaines-Huff, Cheryl (Michael)
Gaines-Gentry, Jacqueline Mitchell, Ranse Lamont (Demetria) Gaines, Dwight Smith, Pastor Anthony (Tyree) Gaines, Evangelist Meichelle (Curtis) Gibson, Rev. Dr. Michael (Jill) Gaines and a special daughter-in-law, Pamela Gaines, 36 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, and special nieces, and nephews.
He also leaves to cherish his memory children adopted under love: Dwayne Francisco, Hiawatha Francisco, D'Juan Francisco, Shaun-Michael Francisco, Charles K. Moore, Jr.
Johnnie Richardson, April Richardson, Dr. Lisa Merriweather, Lenard McDonald, Lamont McDonald, Bobbie Allen Harewood, Chyreele Garrett, Alethia Finley, Vernisha Staten,
Adam Mixon, Tyrone Morton, Burton James, Rev. Curtis Reynolds, Pastor Darmella Davis, Pastor Jeffery Richards and Mira Smith and his best friends, Donald Mason, Fred Mitchell, Lee Vernon Smith, Benjamin Barlow, Alvertis Bishop Esq. and Elder David Johnson. Bishop Charles Gaines was preceded in death by his step-mother, Alice Gaines, step-father, Robert Brown Sr., six brothers: Robert Gaines, Lawrence Brown, William Gaines, Larry Gaines, Daniel Brown, and Donald Gaines; and four sisters: Bessie Lynch, Cutrophia
Harkless, Shirley Beatty and Brenda Jones.
SUNRISE…
I smiled at you across a cup of coffee
And felt the sweet, steady love
Returned in your gaze.
NOONTIME…
I chatted with you about this and that,
Appreciated the richness of the life we shared together…
NIGHTTIME…
I curled up in the pleasure of your arms,
Enjoyed the rich timbre of your voice,
Comforted by your render touch…
EVERYDAY…
I discovered one more precious thing about your soul
To celebrate, to marvel at, and to love. "Mahogany"
From Your Wife, Minister JonElla Gaines
Funeral Services were conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 22, 2014, at Corinthian Baptist Church, 72 Whittier Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229. Pastor Anthony W. Gaines officiated the service. A Visitation was held from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
Pallbearers: Charles T. Gaines, IV; Emmanuel Gaines; David Gaines; John Waters; Anthony Gaines; Thomas Gaines.
Honorary Pallbearers: Christopher Gaines; Ranse A. Gaines; Lee Sanders; Bobby Kenney; Benjamin Barlow; Fredrick Mitchell; Donald Mason.
Interment Monday, February 24, 2014, at Dayton National Cemetery, 4100 West Third Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45448. Final arrangements entrusted to Walker Funeral Home. Share special messages with the Gaines family at www.HerbWalker.com.
At an early age, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was a member of Consolidated Baptist church where he ministered through singing in the choir and Young Adult Ministry. He attended Douglas High School and in 1960 he enlisted into the United States Army and completed his tour in 1962. Bishop Gaines loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was very athletic and loved many sports including basketball, karate and was an avid golfer.
God's favor on Bishop Gaines' life was realized one sunny afternoon when his Aunt Margaret brought home a special lunch guest. Life would never be the same. This guest so
beautiful, so eloquent, and so kind, that Bishop Gaines, could not help but pursue this magnificent woman. Standing outside of his Aunt Margaret's house in his signature pink
shirt, he met the twinkle in his eye, JonElla Devine of Versailles, Kentucky and the courtship began. On March 4, 1967, Bishop Gaines married the love of his life, his soul
mate, his best friend, JonElla Devine, in Lexington, Kentucky. From this love union, four children were created, Ranse, Anthony, Meichelle, and Michael. This union also blended a family of four children to a family of ten including, Charles III, Tonya, Alicia Renee, Cheryl, Jacqueline, and Dwight.
Bishop Gaines was employed with the Good Samaritan Hospital and then Eastern State Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky until 1968 when he and his family relocated to Cincinnati,
Ohio. He made his mark on his community by utilizing his diverse skills, talents, and his uncanny intellect. In the early 1970's Bishop Gaines became a barber. Not long afterward he became the owner and the sole proprietor of the infamous Ebony Barber Shop located on Mitchell Avenue. Many remember that the barbershop became his pulpit, and anyone
sitting in the chair became the waiting congregation. If you wanted a haircut, you had to be prepared to hear about the goodness and the greatness of God. This impact has made a lasting impression on an entire generation of men young and old.
In 1978 Bishop Gaines accepted his calling into the ministry under Pastor Larry Bradley of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. From here, he found his home at the First Baptist
Church of North College Hill under the late Pastor Edward Jones. Bishop Gaines went on to pastor three churches prior to March of 1992. On March 2, 1992, Bishop Gaines became
the Founder and Senior Pastor of the United Community Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Covington, Kentucky. He remained Founder and Senior Pastor for 21 years until he retired on March 24, 2013. . Even after retirement, Bishop Gaines and Minister JonElla Gaines did not stop teaching, preaching, guiding and leading. In Houston, Texas they joined Unity Spirit Community Church, where he served as the spiritual advisor to the Pastor Stephen Phillips and Bishop C. Phillips.
Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr., had the ability to impact the community and etched an imprint on the tri-state area that can never be forgotten. It became evident that the
"pulpit" was not located in his church building, it was planted in his heart. His work in the community is so extensive volumes can be written about his innovation, leadership, and advocacy Bishop Gaines would say, "If you do not have anyone following you – you are not a leader!" This was evident in the many leaders that emerged under his mentorship. His leadership works include everything from the Director of the Eastwood and Skyline Acres Community Centers to the Educational Liaison for Notre Dame Academy, Board of
Trustees for the Hamilton County Community Action Agency and to being the First Regional Director of The Northern Kentucky Regional Convene for the Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
"If you have children – you have a future," Bishop Gaines lived these words through his work with youth. He served as an educational advocate for students in the tri-state area,
coached youth sports, collaborated with Covington Independent School District to provide alternative educational paths, and Facilitated "Let's Talk" with youth serving in the Hamilton County Juvenile Institution. He was a youth advocate for Kenton County and Hamilton County Juvenile Court Systems. Many of his ventures were recognized and honored by organizations such as the NAACP, Families Forward, Seven Hills Neighborhood House, the Community Action Agency of Hamilton County, and while serving as Precinct Executive of the Hamilton County Democratic Party.
Education was an area of high importance to Bishop Gaines. Although he attended Douglas High School, he did not graduate with a traditional high school diploma. Instead,
he received his license for barbering from Moeller Barber College in Cincinnati, Ohio, received several medical field certifications, all before earning a diploma. In 1984, he
obtained his General Education Diploma (GED). Then, at the young age of 65, Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr., earned his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Cincinnati Christian College.
Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr. loved his family with an unfailing passion! Leaving to carry on his legacy multigenerational blessed seed of favor is the one and only, love of his life, the woman who stood by his side, and never wavered in faith or devotion to God or to him for 47 years, his wife, Minister JonElla (Devine) Gaines. He leaves to celebrate his life on this earth, six brothers: Rev. Robert (Marion) Brown Jr., Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Dwight (Angela) Brown; Troy (Karen) Gaines; Kenneth Brown; Tony (Lakesia) Gaines; and Daryl Gaines, eight sisters: Mildred Porter; Beverly Darneal; Valerie (Joseph) Bradley; Deborah (Steven) Phillips; Virgie Demeritte, Velois Gaines; Monica (Rodney) Bryant; Eyvone (Leonard) Harris; One aunt, Margaret Givens, two uncles: Shirley (Renee) Arnold, and George Arnold Jr.; His father-in-Law John Devine; brothers-in-law: Robert Jones, Gordon Devine, Melvin Banks, and Kevin Cole; sisters-in-law; Dorothy Gaines, Barbara Banister, Yvonne Taylor, Mary Hale, Betty Clay, Francis Banks, and Gayle Cole.
His Legacy Trailblazers include ten children: United States Marine (Retired) Rev. Charles Thomas Gaines III (Andrea), Tonya Bourrage, Alicia Renee Gaines-Huff, Cheryl (Michael)
Gaines-Gentry, Jacqueline Mitchell, Ranse Lamont (Demetria) Gaines, Dwight Smith, Pastor Anthony (Tyree) Gaines, Evangelist Meichelle (Curtis) Gibson, Rev. Dr. Michael (Jill) Gaines and a special daughter-in-law, Pamela Gaines, 36 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, and special nieces, and nephews.
He also leaves to cherish his memory children adopted under love: Dwayne Francisco, Hiawatha Francisco, D'Juan Francisco, Shaun-Michael Francisco, Charles K. Moore, Jr.
Johnnie Richardson, April Richardson, Dr. Lisa Merriweather, Lenard McDonald, Lamont McDonald, Bobbie Allen Harewood, Chyreele Garrett, Alethia Finley, Vernisha Staten,
Adam Mixon, Tyrone Morton, Burton James, Rev. Curtis Reynolds, Pastor Darmella Davis, Pastor Jeffery Richards and Mira Smith and his best friends, Donald Mason, Fred Mitchell, Lee Vernon Smith, Benjamin Barlow, Alvertis Bishop Esq. and Elder David Johnson. Bishop Charles Gaines was preceded in death by his step-mother, Alice Gaines, step-father, Robert Brown Sr., six brothers: Robert Gaines, Lawrence Brown, William Gaines, Larry Gaines, Daniel Brown, and Donald Gaines; and four sisters: Bessie Lynch, Cutrophia
Harkless, Shirley Beatty and Brenda Jones.
SUNRISE…
I smiled at you across a cup of coffee
And felt the sweet, steady love
Returned in your gaze.
NOONTIME…
I chatted with you about this and that,
Appreciated the richness of the life we shared together…
NIGHTTIME…
I curled up in the pleasure of your arms,
Enjoyed the rich timbre of your voice,
Comforted by your render touch…
EVERYDAY…
I discovered one more precious thing about your soul
To celebrate, to marvel at, and to love. "Mahogany"
From Your Wife, Minister JonElla Gaines
Funeral Services were conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 22, 2014, at Corinthian Baptist Church, 72 Whittier Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229. Pastor Anthony W. Gaines officiated the service. A Visitation was held from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
Pallbearers: Charles T. Gaines, IV; Emmanuel Gaines; David Gaines; John Waters; Anthony Gaines; Thomas Gaines.
Honorary Pallbearers: Christopher Gaines; Ranse A. Gaines; Lee Sanders; Bobby Kenney; Benjamin Barlow; Fredrick Mitchell; Donald Mason.
Interment Monday, February 24, 2014, at Dayton National Cemetery, 4100 West Third Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45448. Final arrangements entrusted to Walker Funeral Home. Share special messages with the Gaines family at www.HerbWalker.com.
Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr., of Cincinnati, Ohio transitioned on to Glory on Monday,February 10, 2014 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his wife and children. Bishop Gaines was born in Lexington, Kentucky on November 20, 1942 to the late Charles Thomas Gaines Sr. and the late Virgie Mae (Arnold) Brown.
At an early age, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was a member of Consolidated Baptist church where he ministered through singing in the choir and Young Adult Ministry. He attended Douglas High School and in 1960 he enlisted into the United States Army and completed his tour in 1962. Bishop Gaines loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was very athletic and loved many sports including basketball, karate and was an avid golfer.
God's favor on Bishop Gaines' life was realized one sunny afternoon when his Aunt Margaret brought home a special lunch guest. Life would never be the same. This guest so
beautiful, so eloquent, and so kind, that Bishop Gaines, could not help but pursue this magnificent woman. Standing outside of his Aunt Margaret's house in his signature pink
shirt, he met the twinkle in his eye, JonElla Devine of Versailles, Kentucky and the courtship began. On March 4, 1967, Bishop Gaines married the love of his life, his soul
mate, his best friend, JonElla Devine, in Lexington, Kentucky. From this love union, four children were created, Ranse, Anthony, Meichelle, and Michael. This union also blended a family of four children to a family of ten including, Charles III, Tonya, Alicia Renee, Cheryl, Jacqueline, and Dwight.
Bishop Gaines was employed with the Good Samaritan Hospital and then Eastern State Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky until 1968 when he and his family relocated to Cincinnati,
Ohio. He made his mark on his community by utilizing his diverse skills, talents, and his uncanny intellect. In the early 1970's Bishop Gaines became a barber. Not long afterward he became the owner and the sole proprietor of the infamous Ebony Barber Shop located on Mitchell Avenue. Many remember that the barbershop became his pulpit, and anyone
sitting in the chair became the waiting congregation. If you wanted a haircut, you had to be prepared to hear about the goodness and the greatness of God. This impact has made a lasting impression on an entire generation of men young and old.
In 1978 Bishop Gaines accepted his calling into the ministry under Pastor Larry Bradley of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. From here, he found his home at the First Baptist
Church of North College Hill under the late Pastor Edward Jones. Bishop Gaines went on to pastor three churches prior to March of 1992. On March 2, 1992, Bishop Gaines became
the Founder and Senior Pastor of the United Community Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Covington, Kentucky. He remained Founder and Senior Pastor for 21 years until he retired on March 24, 2013. . Even after retirement, Bishop Gaines and Minister JonElla Gaines did not stop teaching, preaching, guiding and leading. In Houston, Texas they joined Unity Spirit Community Church, where he served as the spiritual advisor to the Pastor Stephen Phillips and Bishop C. Phillips.
Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr., had the ability to impact the community and etched an imprint on the tri-state area that can never be forgotten. It became evident that the
"pulpit" was not located in his church building, it was planted in his heart. His work in the community is so extensive volumes can be written about his innovation, leadership, and advocacy Bishop Gaines would say, "If you do not have anyone following you – you are not a leader!" This was evident in the many leaders that emerged under his mentorship. His leadership works include everything from the Director of the Eastwood and Skyline Acres Community Centers to the Educational Liaison for Notre Dame Academy, Board of
Trustees for the Hamilton County Community Action Agency and to being the First Regional Director of The Northern Kentucky Regional Convene for the Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
"If you have children – you have a future," Bishop Gaines lived these words through his work with youth. He served as an educational advocate for students in the tri-state area,
coached youth sports, collaborated with Covington Independent School District to provide alternative educational paths, and Facilitated "Let's Talk" with youth serving in the Hamilton County Juvenile Institution. He was a youth advocate for Kenton County and Hamilton County Juvenile Court Systems. Many of his ventures were recognized and honored by organizations such as the NAACP, Families Forward, Seven Hills Neighborhood House, the Community Action Agency of Hamilton County, and while serving as Precinct Executive of the Hamilton County Democratic Party.
Education was an area of high importance to Bishop Gaines. Although he attended Douglas High School, he did not graduate with a traditional high school diploma. Instead,
he received his license for barbering from Moeller Barber College in Cincinnati, Ohio, received several medical field certifications, all before earning a diploma. In 1984, he
obtained his General Education Diploma (GED). Then, at the young age of 65, Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr., earned his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Cincinnati Christian College.
Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr. loved his family with an unfailing passion! Leaving to carry on his legacy multigenerational blessed seed of favor is the one and only, love of his life, the woman who stood by his side, and never wavered in faith or devotion to God or to him for 47 years, his wife, Minister JonElla (Devine) Gaines. He leaves to celebrate his life on this earth, six brothers: Rev. Robert (Marion) Brown Jr., Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Dwight (Angela) Brown; Troy (Karen) Gaines; Kenneth Brown; Tony (Lakesia) Gaines; and Daryl Gaines, eight sisters: Mildred Porter; Beverly Darneal; Valerie (Joseph) Bradley; Deborah (Steven) Phillips; Virgie Demeritte, Velois Gaines; Monica (Rodney) Bryant; Eyvone (Leonard) Harris; One aunt, Margaret Givens, two uncles: Shirley (Renee) Arnold, and George Arnold Jr.; His father-in-Law John Devine; brothers-in-law: Robert Jones, Gordon Devine, Melvin Banks, and Kevin Cole; sisters-in-law; Dorothy Gaines, Barbara Banister, Yvonne Taylor, Mary Hale, Betty Clay, Francis Banks, and Gayle Cole.
His Legacy Trailblazers include ten children: United States Marine (Retired) Rev. Charles Thomas Gaines III (Andrea), Tonya Bourrage, Alicia Renee Gaines-Huff, Cheryl (Michael)
Gaines-Gentry, Jacqueline Mitchell, Ranse Lamont (Demetria) Gaines, Dwight Smith, Pastor Anthony (Tyree) Gaines, Evangelist Meichelle (Curtis) Gibson, Rev. Dr. Michael (Jill) Gaines and a special daughter-in-law, Pamela Gaines, 36 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, and special nieces, and nephews.
He also leaves to cherish his memory children adopted under love: Dwayne Francisco, Hiawatha Francisco, D'Juan Francisco, Shaun-Michael Francisco, Charles K. Moore, Jr.
Johnnie Richardson, April Richardson, Dr. Lisa Merriweather, Lenard McDonald, Lamont McDonald, Bobbie Allen Harewood, Chyreele Garrett, Alethia Finley, Vernisha Staten,
Adam Mixon, Tyrone Morton, Burton James, Rev. Curtis Reynolds, Pastor Darmella Davis, Pastor Jeffery Richards and Mira Smith and his best friends, Donald Mason, Fred Mitchell, Lee Vernon Smith, Benjamin Barlow, Alvertis Bishop Esq. and Elder David Johnson. Bishop Charles Gaines was preceded in death by his step-mother, Alice Gaines, step-father, Robert Brown Sr., six brothers: Robert Gaines, Lawrence Brown, William Gaines, Larry Gaines, Daniel Brown, and Donald Gaines; and four sisters: Bessie Lynch, Cutrophia
Harkless, Shirley Beatty and Brenda Jones.
SUNRISE…
I smiled at you across a cup of coffee
And felt the sweet, steady love
Returned in your gaze.
NOONTIME…
I chatted with you about this and that,
Appreciated the richness of the life we shared together…
NIGHTTIME…
I curled up in the pleasure of your arms,
Enjoyed the rich timbre of your voice,
Comforted by your render touch…
EVERYDAY…
I discovered one more precious thing about your soul
To celebrate, to marvel at, and to love. "Mahogany"
From Your Wife, Minister JonElla Gaines
Funeral Services were conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 22, 2014, at Corinthian Baptist Church, 72 Whittier Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229. Pastor Anthony W. Gaines officiated the service. A Visitation was held from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
Pallbearers: Charles T. Gaines, IV; Emmanuel Gaines; David Gaines; John Waters; Anthony Gaines; Thomas Gaines.
Honorary Pallbearers: Christopher Gaines; Ranse A. Gaines; Lee Sanders; Bobby Kenney; Benjamin Barlow; Fredrick Mitchell; Donald Mason.
Interment Monday, February 24, 2014, at Dayton National Cemetery, 4100 West Third Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45448. Final arrangements entrusted to Walker Funeral Home. Share special messages with the Gaines family at www.HerbWalker.com.
At an early age, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was a member of Consolidated Baptist church where he ministered through singing in the choir and Young Adult Ministry. He attended Douglas High School and in 1960 he enlisted into the United States Army and completed his tour in 1962. Bishop Gaines loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was very athletic and loved many sports including basketball, karate and was an avid golfer.
God's favor on Bishop Gaines' life was realized one sunny afternoon when his Aunt Margaret brought home a special lunch guest. Life would never be the same. This guest so
beautiful, so eloquent, and so kind, that Bishop Gaines, could not help but pursue this magnificent woman. Standing outside of his Aunt Margaret's house in his signature pink
shirt, he met the twinkle in his eye, JonElla Devine of Versailles, Kentucky and the courtship began. On March 4, 1967, Bishop Gaines married the love of his life, his soul
mate, his best friend, JonElla Devine, in Lexington, Kentucky. From this love union, four children were created, Ranse, Anthony, Meichelle, and Michael. This union also blended a family of four children to a family of ten including, Charles III, Tonya, Alicia Renee, Cheryl, Jacqueline, and Dwight.
Bishop Gaines was employed with the Good Samaritan Hospital and then Eastern State Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky until 1968 when he and his family relocated to Cincinnati,
Ohio. He made his mark on his community by utilizing his diverse skills, talents, and his uncanny intellect. In the early 1970's Bishop Gaines became a barber. Not long afterward he became the owner and the sole proprietor of the infamous Ebony Barber Shop located on Mitchell Avenue. Many remember that the barbershop became his pulpit, and anyone
sitting in the chair became the waiting congregation. If you wanted a haircut, you had to be prepared to hear about the goodness and the greatness of God. This impact has made a lasting impression on an entire generation of men young and old.
In 1978 Bishop Gaines accepted his calling into the ministry under Pastor Larry Bradley of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. From here, he found his home at the First Baptist
Church of North College Hill under the late Pastor Edward Jones. Bishop Gaines went on to pastor three churches prior to March of 1992. On March 2, 1992, Bishop Gaines became
the Founder and Senior Pastor of the United Community Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Covington, Kentucky. He remained Founder and Senior Pastor for 21 years until he retired on March 24, 2013. . Even after retirement, Bishop Gaines and Minister JonElla Gaines did not stop teaching, preaching, guiding and leading. In Houston, Texas they joined Unity Spirit Community Church, where he served as the spiritual advisor to the Pastor Stephen Phillips and Bishop C. Phillips.
Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr., had the ability to impact the community and etched an imprint on the tri-state area that can never be forgotten. It became evident that the
"pulpit" was not located in his church building, it was planted in his heart. His work in the community is so extensive volumes can be written about his innovation, leadership, and advocacy Bishop Gaines would say, "If you do not have anyone following you – you are not a leader!" This was evident in the many leaders that emerged under his mentorship. His leadership works include everything from the Director of the Eastwood and Skyline Acres Community Centers to the Educational Liaison for Notre Dame Academy, Board of
Trustees for the Hamilton County Community Action Agency and to being the First Regional Director of The Northern Kentucky Regional Convene for the Dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
"If you have children – you have a future," Bishop Gaines lived these words through his work with youth. He served as an educational advocate for students in the tri-state area,
coached youth sports, collaborated with Covington Independent School District to provide alternative educational paths, and Facilitated "Let's Talk" with youth serving in the Hamilton County Juvenile Institution. He was a youth advocate for Kenton County and Hamilton County Juvenile Court Systems. Many of his ventures were recognized and honored by organizations such as the NAACP, Families Forward, Seven Hills Neighborhood House, the Community Action Agency of Hamilton County, and while serving as Precinct Executive of the Hamilton County Democratic Party.
Education was an area of high importance to Bishop Gaines. Although he attended Douglas High School, he did not graduate with a traditional high school diploma. Instead,
he received his license for barbering from Moeller Barber College in Cincinnati, Ohio, received several medical field certifications, all before earning a diploma. In 1984, he
obtained his General Education Diploma (GED). Then, at the young age of 65, Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr., earned his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Cincinnati Christian College.
Bishop Charles Thomas Gaines Jr. loved his family with an unfailing passion! Leaving to carry on his legacy multigenerational blessed seed of favor is the one and only, love of his life, the woman who stood by his side, and never wavered in faith or devotion to God or to him for 47 years, his wife, Minister JonElla (Devine) Gaines. He leaves to celebrate his life on this earth, six brothers: Rev. Robert (Marion) Brown Jr., Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Dwight (Angela) Brown; Troy (Karen) Gaines; Kenneth Brown; Tony (Lakesia) Gaines; and Daryl Gaines, eight sisters: Mildred Porter; Beverly Darneal; Valerie (Joseph) Bradley; Deborah (Steven) Phillips; Virgie Demeritte, Velois Gaines; Monica (Rodney) Bryant; Eyvone (Leonard) Harris; One aunt, Margaret Givens, two uncles: Shirley (Renee) Arnold, and George Arnold Jr.; His father-in-Law John Devine; brothers-in-law: Robert Jones, Gordon Devine, Melvin Banks, and Kevin Cole; sisters-in-law; Dorothy Gaines, Barbara Banister, Yvonne Taylor, Mary Hale, Betty Clay, Francis Banks, and Gayle Cole.
His Legacy Trailblazers include ten children: United States Marine (Retired) Rev. Charles Thomas Gaines III (Andrea), Tonya Bourrage, Alicia Renee Gaines-Huff, Cheryl (Michael)
Gaines-Gentry, Jacqueline Mitchell, Ranse Lamont (Demetria) Gaines, Dwight Smith, Pastor Anthony (Tyree) Gaines, Evangelist Meichelle (Curtis) Gibson, Rev. Dr. Michael (Jill) Gaines and a special daughter-in-law, Pamela Gaines, 36 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, and special nieces, and nephews.
He also leaves to cherish his memory children adopted under love: Dwayne Francisco, Hiawatha Francisco, D'Juan Francisco, Shaun-Michael Francisco, Charles K. Moore, Jr.
Johnnie Richardson, April Richardson, Dr. Lisa Merriweather, Lenard McDonald, Lamont McDonald, Bobbie Allen Harewood, Chyreele Garrett, Alethia Finley, Vernisha Staten,
Adam Mixon, Tyrone Morton, Burton James, Rev. Curtis Reynolds, Pastor Darmella Davis, Pastor Jeffery Richards and Mira Smith and his best friends, Donald Mason, Fred Mitchell, Lee Vernon Smith, Benjamin Barlow, Alvertis Bishop Esq. and Elder David Johnson. Bishop Charles Gaines was preceded in death by his step-mother, Alice Gaines, step-father, Robert Brown Sr., six brothers: Robert Gaines, Lawrence Brown, William Gaines, Larry Gaines, Daniel Brown, and Donald Gaines; and four sisters: Bessie Lynch, Cutrophia
Harkless, Shirley Beatty and Brenda Jones.
SUNRISE…
I smiled at you across a cup of coffee
And felt the sweet, steady love
Returned in your gaze.
NOONTIME…
I chatted with you about this and that,
Appreciated the richness of the life we shared together…
NIGHTTIME…
I curled up in the pleasure of your arms,
Enjoyed the rich timbre of your voice,
Comforted by your render touch…
EVERYDAY…
I discovered one more precious thing about your soul
To celebrate, to marvel at, and to love. "Mahogany"
From Your Wife, Minister JonElla Gaines
Funeral Services were conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 22, 2014, at Corinthian Baptist Church, 72 Whittier Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229. Pastor Anthony W. Gaines officiated the service. A Visitation was held from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
Pallbearers: Charles T. Gaines, IV; Emmanuel Gaines; David Gaines; John Waters; Anthony Gaines; Thomas Gaines.
Honorary Pallbearers: Christopher Gaines; Ranse A. Gaines; Lee Sanders; Bobby Kenney; Benjamin Barlow; Fredrick Mitchell; Donald Mason.
Interment Monday, February 24, 2014, at Dayton National Cemetery, 4100 West Third Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45448. Final arrangements entrusted to Walker Funeral Home. Share special messages with the Gaines family at www.HerbWalker.com.
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