Ethelene Gaines-Haley entered Heaven’s gates surrounded by loved ones on Monday, March 18, 2019 at the age of 77 years. She was born the daughter of Raymond and Arthetta Gaines, January 12, 1942 in Paducah, Kentucky. Ethelene attended Paducah Public Schools and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961.
She was a graduate of West Kentucky Vocational School earning a degree in Business Administration. In 1965, Ethelene moved to Saginaw, Michigan where she served as a Deputy Clerk at the County Court House. She was one of the first African American women to hold this position.
She retired after 38 1/2 years of faithful service from General Motors, rarely missing a day of work. Her kind heart and ‘quick wit’ endeared her to all who knew and loved her. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends.
She loved watching the food network and other cooking channels. Her true passion was bowling where she traveled extensively to various tournaments throughout the country. Her plethora of awards, medals, plaques, pins, and trophies reflects her accomplishments.
Mrs. Gaines-Haley leaves to celebrate her life, two daughters, Elizabeth Bumphus, Paducah, KY and Denise Haley, Saginaw, MI; two sons, Patrick (Delois) Haley, Saginaw, MI and Johnnie (Julie) Haley, Jr., Panama City, FL; one god-daughter; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Don Gaines and Ralph Gaines; three sisters, Joyce (Leon Sr.,) Biles, Paulette Tyler, Paducah, KY and Charlotte (Roger, Sr.) Carter, Fort Lauderdale, FL; one aunt, Phyllis Anderson, Paducah, KY; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends including special friends, Dorothy Whiting, Katie (Frasier) Townsend, Virginia (Danny) Winbush, Diana Simpson, Early Riley all of Saginaw, MI and Ann Conner, Jeffersonville, IN. Mrs. Gaines-Haley was preceded in death by her husband, Jonnie Haley; parents, Raymond and Arthetta Gaines; three brothers, Raymond Gaines, Jr., Harold Gaines, and James Gaines; two sisters, Glenda Gaines Meredith and Dyvonette Gaines Jefferson. The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Ron Frierson and the members of New Covenant Christian Center Church for their love and support.
We would also like to thank Summer Bates, Lead Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner and staff of Covenant HealthCare for the care and kindness extended to our mother and family. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2019 at New Covenant Christian Center, 2395 South Outer Drive, Saginaw, Michigan 48601. Pastor Ron Frierson will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 South Washington Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48601.
Friends may call at the Evans & Browne’s Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607 on Sunday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. The family will be present from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. to greet friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mrs. Ethelene Gaines-Haley please visit our Sympathy Store.
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