Two local church women died this week and families are preparing memorials to their memory in light of COVID 19 Social Distancing rules.
Wilima Smith
A memorial service is being planned for Wilima Smith, an employee of the City of Monroe for nearly 30 years, is pending. Miss Smith was a COVID-19 victim.
Smith lived a quiet life that mostly revolved around her family, her church, and her duties in the water department of the City of Monroe.
She enjoyed reading and often volunteered to help with projects to help the needy, youth activities, and general community improvement projects.
Margaret Gaines
Graveside services for Margaret Gaines will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Richwood Memorial Cemetery.
Gaines was 89 years old.
Her official obituary reads as follows:
Marguerite (Margaret) Williams was born September 14, 1931, to the late John and Annie Williams of Tallulah, Louisiana.
She confessed Christ at an early age. She was a life long member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church. She was a member of Sunday School class #4; member of the Pastor Aide Club, Lena Foster #7; hospitality committee; church and Bible school.
Margaret Gaines graduated from Monroe Colored High School in 1950. The first class to finish high school to the 12th grade.
Margaret was employed with Louisiana State Department of Health and Hospital. She retired after 30 years of service.
Mrs. Gaines departed this life January 14, 2021, at the Mary Goss Nursing Home after a long illness.
She was preceded in death by her parents John and Annie Williams, Nancy Downs Smith; her husband Jessie Gaines; one daughter Valerie Gaines; two sisters and seven brothers; 1 grandson Marque’ McGee, and one niece Vicema Bigsby.
She leaves to cherish her memories one son Mark Gaines; two grandsons, Marcus Allen (Natalie) of Utah and Samuel Bigsby. One sister Deborah Williams of Stone Mountain, Ga.; One adopted granddaughter Omega Morgan of Dallas, Texas; one nephew Frederick (Barbara) Fletcher of Tallulah, Louisiana. All her church family and all those who took care and looked after her for years.
Graveside Service conducted by Roosevelt Wright, Jr., Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church at Richwood Memorial Garden 2705 Richwood Road #2 Monroe, La 71202
There will be no repast at Mrs. Gaines request.
Whether it was a card, a call, flowers, or just a prayer. The family of Margaret Gaines would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your love will never be forgotten.
Special thanks to St Francis Medical Center, Home Health services, and Mary Goss Nursing Home
