Videssa

Gaines

"To everything 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, Tuesday, August 08, 2023, God in his infinite wisdom, dispatched the angel of deliverance to Care One of Wellington in Hackensack, New Jersey and into the room of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother (Granna), sister, cousin and dearest friend. Videssa (Pumpkin) Gaines, was our protector, confidante, and most forgiving individual one would ever know. During this hour, she was disburdened of her illness, and bravely transcended this life for an everlasting life in glory.

Videssa was born May 25, 1944 in Charlotte Court House, Virginia, the first child of Susie Reed. As a young teenager, Videssa attended Central High School, during that time she met her first love Floyd William Gaines. At seventeen she gave birth to the first of her five children, Juan Diego Gaines. Relocating to Connecticut and then to Bronx, NY, she and Floyd married and had four additional children. Later, she would separate from her marriage and raise her 5 children alone while working at Bell Atlantic / Verizon for over 20 years. When the children were of adult age, she then relocated to Hackensack, NJ.

Achieving what she always wanted, she obtained her commercial driver's license. She worked as a student transportation driver (her big adventure) for over 10 years until she later retired with First Student Bus Co.

Videssa, was strong willed; truly authentic. She spoke up when needed and apologized when necessary. She had a big bark; but a very loving heart. One's first impression was no impression. She would size you up first, then make a decision if she would allow you in her space and heart. This was her norm, there was no black or white about it. It was her armor and she was loved for who she was.

Words cannot express the loss of Videssa; however, this is true. She provided unconditional love for her family. She always did the absolute best with what she knew. If there were any regrets, there would be too few to mention. If there was anything left undone, so be it. She gave all that she could and then some. As she would say, "Take it or leave it."  our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother (Granna), sister, cousin and dearest friend, left us to feel touched, moved and inspired, and to be the best human we could possibly be.

With her graciousness, and honor, she leaves to cherish precious memories: beloved daughters Constance and Belinda; Son: Floyd Jr. and son-in-law Gregory; Grandchildren: Jason, Gary, Abdul, Ebony, Christopher, Tiffany, Tatiana, and Malika; and nine great-grandchildren: Mekhi, Jaziya, Jayceon, Gianna, Sincere, Amyrah, Mi'angel, Adon, and Ava; and a host of family and friends. Greeting her at the gates of heaven, Floyd Sr. (12/2022), elder son Juan (11/1998), daughter Flora (03/2023), and dog Coco Chanel (12/2017)

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