Genevieve Hermana

Rainey

Genevieve Hermana Rainey was born to Amos Rainey and Minnie Lester on September 12, 1921 in Georgetown, South Carolina. She graduated from Wadleigh High School in New York City. She was employed by the garment industry. Exhibiting her talent and flare for design she was employed by the Macy's gift department. Her interests in the business industry lead her to employment at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company where she was employed for over 30 years. Affectionately known as "Gen", "Auntie", or "Miss Gen", she was a main source and foundation for all of her family members. She cared for each one as if you were the only one. She was a caregiver not only to her family but also to her church, neighborhood and everyone she knew. Her family was everything to her. She managed the family owned building at 1353 Teller Avenue for many, many years along with her sister Louise Shields and her cousins predeceased, Jimmy and Marguerite Peck. Her dedication and commitment are an example to us of faithful living. She was also famous for her fabulous cakes. If you have ever tasted one, you know that it was a delectable experience! Initially a member of Emmanuel AME Church, Gen later transferred to Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church and then finally finding her church home at The Community Church of Morrisania where she served on many committees. The Thrilling Thursday Ministry, the Harriet Tubman Circle, the Hospitality Ministry, and the church kitchen, just to name a few. She was one of the key persons involved in helping the Community Church of Morrisania (CCM) acquire the property which is the lot up the street. The youth of the Martin Luther King Ministry loved her and she loved them. They are the ones who initially started calling her Auntie at CCM. Everything she did was in order, in excellence and in love. She had a wonderful sense of humor and could make a person laugh to the point of tears. Gen was also civic minded and very active in her community. She was a part of the Block Association, the Community Board, Neighborhood Street Watch and she actively participated in various political events. Gen will be missed, but never forgotten by her family: her sister Louise R. Shields; nieces; Margaret (Cookie), Susan and Donna; nephews Russell (Joy) and Gregory (Kazue); grandnieces Cheree, Jenieze, Leah, Tanya, Taneka, Robin & Lauren; grandnephews Keith and Robert; great grand nieces and nephews Laneya, Marquis, Jarius, Xavier, Elijah and her extended family, Arlene and Amy, as well as her Community Church of Morrisania family. If anything else could be said about her it is this .Matthew 25:31-46 "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." "Well done thou good and faithful servant. "Til we meet at Jesus' feet.