Nina Mae Gaines

Just another day that the Lord has kept me-

The angels in Heaven were rejoicing on April 10, 2021 as God peacefully called our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, Mother Nina Mae “Madea” Gaines home to be with him.

Mother Nina Mae Gaines was born August 1, 1925 to Joe and Mary T. Jones in Thomaston, Georgia, and later moved to Saginaw, Michigan. She was employed at General Motors Chevrolet Grey Iron, retiring after 25 years of service. She was a member of UAW Local 668.

Nina Mae was well-loved by all, and in her neighborhood on Ninth & Burt she was known as “The Candy Lady” because she spent countless days selling freeze cups and candy to all who came by, but not for her own gain as all the proceeds of her sales were given to the ministry.

Mother Gaines met the Lord at Beatty Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of the Late Superintendent Calvin Beatty, Sr. She remained a faithful member of that ministry for over 30 years and would later become a devoted member of Rose of Sharon C.O.G.I.C under the leadership of Administrative Assistant Louis C. Knox Sr. Her final days would be spent as a member of Greater Williams Temple C.O.G.I.C under the leadership of the Late Bishop H.J. Williams and Superintendent Arthur Aiken. She served in various positions throughout her walk with the Lord, The scripture that says “God loves a Cheerful giver” describes our Nina Mae. If she was around while the offering was being raised you would often see her digging in her purse for some change because she did not believe in the offering having “Raggedy Ends.”

Acts such as these were and will forever be a true testament of who she was, a giver. Mother Gaines loved to give, and was always found giving. She was a giver not only in church, or within her family but wherever there was a need, Mother Gaines was ready and willing to answer the call. For this reason, Mother Gaines lived a long, prosperous life with the favor of God resting upon her until she finally heard the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

Nina Mae Gaines leaves to cherish her memory one daughter Earline (Willie Sr.) Drain; one son Eddie Jr. (Beverly) Gaines; grandchildren Darnell Drain, Yoneia Drain, Latrinda (Steve) Halsell, Willie Jr. (Demeka) Drain , Eddie III (Jessica) Gaines, Jason (Jorvonna) Drain, Christopher Sr. (Amy) Wilson, and Peter (Pam) Moore; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; 3 godsons, Ray Smith, Elder John Rhodes, and Minister Randy (Tiffany) Jackson, Sr.; 2 goddaughters, Sweetie Tolbert and Iesha Palmore; a very special friend of over 60 years with whom she never had a harsh word as they would say, Mother Ethel Mae Drain; adopted daughters, Sharon Barbie, Gail Sewell, Debbie McClinton, and Punkin Wilson; her personal nurse, Vivian Williams; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and special friends including Missionary Connie Ramsey, Missionary Mary Bady, her Pastor, Superintendent Arthur Aiken and the entire Greater Williams Temple C.O.G.I.C family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Gaines, Sr., daughter, Mary Ann Burrell, parents, Joe and Mary Jones, sister, Sarah Jackson, and brother, Robert Jones.

Neither space nor time would permit us to chronicle the many accomplishments of this great soldier who has gone home to be with the Lord.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Bishop Don (Lady Bonita) Shelby and the entire Burning Bush International Ministries family, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel.


In accordance with CDC Covid-19 guidelines, a private funeral service is planned. Invited guests only. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


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