Flora C.

Gaines

Obituary

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die…" Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

At the hour of a new day, Saturday, March 11, 2023, God in His infinite wisdom, dispatched the angel of deliverance to Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey and into the room of our beloved, kind hearted, most giving, and unwavering spirit we've ever known and called upon mother, daughter, sister, and auntie, Flora Celeste Gaines. During this hour, she was disburdened of her illness, and bravely transcended this life for an everlasting life in glory.

Flora was born January 20, 1963 at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in Manhattan, New York second child to Floyd William Gaines and Videssa Reed (Gaines). At an early age her faith in God lead her to be baptized where she would attended church and volunteer her service. While obtaining her education at Morris High School in the Bronx, she participated in extra-curricular activities. During her mother's work hours, Flora attended to her younger sibling's care. She fixed things that her siblings broke and cuddled them when needed, ensuring them that all be well when their mother returned home. Throughout her life, she continued on with this service of love, all the while, never pressing the brakes.

Flora was a loving mother to her only son Gary, a gift she delivered to herself on her birthday; they were in separatable. They would never end a call without saying, "love you." As a single parent, she made sure that Gary wanted for nothing, there was never a missed hug, kiss goodnight, or a conversation to be had; as Gary was her pride and joy. Flora was later gifted a beautiful granddaughter, Rylin. Each day and moment she spent with baby Rylin, was a gift that brighten her being. Her love for Gary and Rylin, will continue to flourish and grow, just like the flower she is.

Although she was the biological mother to Gary, she was a mother to many. She lovingly cared for all of her nieces and nephews, and had guardianship over her 7 yr. old great-nephew, Makhi. For her entire life, she aided with helping her mother with any want or need. In a day, they spoke multiple times over the phone, even if she physically went to visit. Rain, sleet or snow, she was there, just as she was for all.

Words cannot express the loss of Flora; however, this is true. She fought for those she cared and loved without a blink of an eye. The word "no" was not in her vocabulary, and if she had the audacity to say the word, it was only then that she would not be in favor. But it would be that person's lost, because her "no" came from a place a love, leaving the person to discover a beautiful value within her decision. No, did not mean any more or any less; other than for one to learn to stand strong. Still, the word no, was rarely spoken.

Flora's career was doing what she absolutely loved, caring for the purest of hearts; children. For 6 years, she devoted her time at the Evelyn Street Day School. She enjoyed and appreciated the staff members, and was mother hen to the young children, she simply loved them all.

Flora (goddess of the flower) grew inside each and every one of us no matter who, what or where we were. She is the flower in bloom, and if one ever feels lonely, or need a sense of love, stop and smell a flower, and let her love nourish your senses.

With her graciousness, and honor, she leaves to cherish precious memories: beloved son Gary Simpson Jr.; Granddaughter: Rylan; Mother: Videssa; Sisters: Constance and Belinda; Brother: Floyd Jr.; Brother-in-Law: Gregory; Nephews: Jason, Abdul, and Christopher; Nieces: Tatiana, Ebony, Tiffany, and Malika; Great nieces and nephews (nine); Partner: Charles; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Greeting her at the gates of heaven, elder brother Juan (11/1998) and beloved father (12/2022)

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

St. Matthew 5:4