Mrs. Monzola Gaines

Monzola McKinney Gaines, 79, affectionately known as "Mon" was born December 22, 1943, to the late Romeo Robert & Ethel Lee Bennett McKinney in Sunflower, MS. She entered into rest on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 8:45 PM at Carle (formerly Methodist) Hospital in Peoria, IL. Mon accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at the McKinney Chapel Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the rural community of Sunflower, MS under the leadership of the late Elder S. D. Yarborough. She received her early education from Roundaway Elementary School and graduated from Gentry High School in Indianola, MS. Mon later moved to Pontiac, MI, where she was introduced to the love of her life, Leon P. Gaines. They married on July 12, 1974, in Peoria, IL, and enjoyed 48 years of marriage. Mon was well known for her cooking, baking, and canning abilities. Family, friends, and sometimes strangers traveled far and near to enjoy what we call "Sunday Dinner." Mon loved gardening, sewing, reading, trying new recipes, and collecting all the latest kitchen gadgets. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a great sense of humor and was a prankster. Mon was employed by Peoria Public School District #150 at Manual High School in 1982, first working as a cafeteria worker and later as a custodian. She was a hard worker and loved by many staff members and students throughout her career. Mon was blessed to be able to retire in 2004. After retirement, she could be found lounging in her pajamas watching some of her favorite cooking shows, Survivor and Dancing with the Stars. She also loved playing candy crush. Mon leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband, Leon P. Gaines; two sons, Everett (Lillie) McKinney of Indianola, MS, and Demetri Gaines of Houston, TX; two daughters, LaTonya (Terence) Franklin of Atlanta, GA, and Tisha (Courtney) Anderson of Peoria, IL; three brothers, Ambrose (Linda) McKinney of Sunflower, MS, Alfonzo McKinney of Drew, MS, and Carl (Helen) McKinney of Nashville, TN; (1) sister, Pernella (Jesse) Shortie of Greenville, MS; two sisters-in-law, Gloria Hayes of Pulaski, IL and Linda Gaines of Houston, TX eleven grandchildren, Marquis Jordan-McKinney, Brandis Johnson, Brittney Gaines, Brandon Daniels, Darius Williams, Ariel Ivory, Darrion (Kennara) McKinney, Brian Gaines, Arneisha Walls, Mickayla Alexander, and Isaiah Alexander twenty-four great grandchildren, Aidan, Alaysia, A'mere, Amiri, Amori, Ariane, Brielle, Da'Layja, Daleah, D'Ari, Jrue, Kingston E., Kingston M., Laedon, Marion, Marleigh, Nazier, Phoenix, Ramani, Rayniah, Sage, Tasia, Treshaun, and Tristan; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Romeo Robert & Ethel Lee Bennett McKinney, one son, Brian L. Gaines; two brothers, Romeo Milton McKinney, and Wayne McKinney; four sisters, Alberta McKinney Reddick, Sandra McKinney Bell, Masone Lajoice McKinney, and Verlinda McKinney Fields; and one great grandson, Troy Erving II. Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Church of the Living God of Peoria, with a visitation one hour prior beginning at 10 am. Host Pastor Vice Chief Bishop Leroy Smith. Rev. Alvin Riley, Sr., Pastor of Sovereign Grace M.B Church, will officiate and bring the eulogy. Mrs. Gaines will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

Tributes

Mrs. Monzola Gaines

December 22, 1943 - May 21, 2023