Deborah Williams-Gaines

Mrs. Deborah Jean Williams-Gaines passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at her residence in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 73 years. She was born to Wanda and Bruce Smith at Saginaw General Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan, on April 2, 1950.

Deborah attended Salina Elementary, and Webber Jr. High School, and graduated from Saginaw High, Class of 1969. She completed 1 year at Delta College, studied, and passed the State Realtors exam. Deborah retired from General Motors (Delfi) after 30 years of service.

Deborah accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She grew up attending Grant Street Church of God in Christ. She started ushering at the age of 13. She was faithful during every name change, from Williams Memorial COGIC to Victorious Believers Ministries COGIC, and was a faithful steward until age 71. Deborah served as president of the Usher Board and was well-known throughout Michigan.

Deborah gave birth to one child, her son, Gregory D. Williams, who was faithful and devoted and took care of his mother until her passing.

Deborah was married to Velman Williams, Jr. until his sudden passing in June of 1984. She met and married David Lee Gaines, Sr., on April 1, 1997, who loved and cherished her.

Cherishing her “strong hugs,” love, caring and giving memories: her husband, David Lee Gaines, Sr.; and one son, Gregory D. (Tarra) Williams; grandson, Zachary James Epp; great-grandson, Mylo James Epp; sisters, Willette McClenon-Chanteuse, Redmond, Washington, Eunice B. McClenon, Detroit, Michigan; nieces, Andrea Lake, Lansing, Michigan, Arnada Boles, Columbus, Ohio, Ami McClenon, Detroit, Michigan, LeRoyce James, Columbus, Ohio, Y’mUnique Boles, Columbus, Ohio; nephews, Cornell Kelly, Columbus, Ohio, Aarnon Lake, Lansing, Michigan; goddaughter, Tonya Andrews, Saginaw, Michigan; stepdaughter, Cindy R. Whitney; stepbrother, Johnny Quarterman (Ida) Valdosta, Georgia; a host of relatives, friends, Saints of God, and neighbors.

Deborah was preceded in death by: her brother, Ronald L. Smith, mother, Wanda L. McClenon, stepfather, Willie E. McClenon, sister, Pamela C. Kelly, brothers, William Arnold Burton McClenon, and Kevin D. McClenon.

The family would like to express special thanks to Brenda Sanford, Rome, Georgia, Mother Margaret Sue Brodus, Superintendent Christopher Pryor, and the Victorious Believers Ministries COGIC Family, Greater Glory Ministries COGIC, Intercessory Praying Women “IPW’s,” Seattle, Washington, and Perfecting Church, Detroit, Michigan.

The family would like to express special thanks to Brenda Sanford, Rome, Georgia, Mother Margaret Sue Brodus, Superintendent Christopher Pryor, and the Victorious Believers Family, Greater Glory Ministries, Intercessory Praying Women “IPW’s,” Seattle, Washington, and Perfecting Church, Detroit, Michigan.