Edward C. Gaines

Edward C. Gaines obituary, Baton Rouge, LA

Edward C. Gaines

Edward Gaines Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Dec. 20 to Dec. 21, 2012.
Rev. Edward Clayton Gaines, "the sweet Psalmist" of may churches in parishes throughout Louisiana, was born to Claiborne Gaines Sr. and Rand Edna Dickerson, who preceded him in death. He was the youngest of nine children, all boys. Rev. Gaines departed this life Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Bluebonnet surrounded by family and friends. Edward Clayton Gaines was a teacher at River Oak Elementary Oak School. He was loved by all. He was educated in East Baton Rouge Parish. He graduated from McKinley High School with honors. He received a bachelor's degree in music from Southern University and a master's degree in education. Rev. Gaines was an avid, highly dedicated and honored musician who played for churches and events throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. Until his passing, he hed the position of Minister of Music at St. Mary Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, and Antioch Baptist Church, Brusly. He is survived by four brothers and five sisters-in-law, Claiborne Jr. and Ora Lee Gaines, of Stone Mountain, Ga., Sherwood and Virginia Ray Gaines, Gerald and Helen Gaines, of Baton Rouge, John W. and Ophelia Gaines, of Houma, and Ann Fleming Gaines, of Baton Rouge. He is also survived by an aunt and uncle, Cloverine and Joseph Burris; special friends, Mary . Pitts, Andrea Barnordez, Donnie Howard, Paulette Hansberry, Kenneth Simpson, Jacqueline Marsellus and the Rev. Reba Allen. In addition, he is survived by several godchildren, Julyn Gaines, Kyler Cain, Shawn Nelson, Josh Stewart, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Edward Gaines was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Weldon, James, Randy and Don Gaines Sr.; a sister-in-law, Alice Price Gaines; and several aunts and uncles. Visiting will be at St. Mary Baptist Church, 1252 N. Acadian, on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. until religious service at noon. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Arrangements with Winnfield Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Edward Gaines's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 3, 2024

Alfred Oxley Sr. posted to the memorial.

January 12, 2013

Denise Gistand posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2012

Anne Brown posted to the memorial.

Alfred Oxley Sr.

March 3, 2024

My heart is saddened by his death a long old friend who been on my mind...Rest in peace with

Denise Gistand

January 12, 2013

My prayers are with you all. He will truly be missed.

Anne Brown

December 30, 2012

To the Gaines Family:
My prayers are with you. I enjoyed working with Mr. Gaines at Riveroaks Elementary and he will be missed. God Bless.

Mrs. Beverly Ferguson-Williams

December 28, 2012

Friends and family, the Lord will comfort and bring you perfect peace during your sorrow. I am sad to hear of the passing of Edward. Oh, to have been part of his homegoing service. He was my music mentor in The Voices of Zion. Edward lead by example and was a loving and kind servant of the Lord. I look forward to the day when I shall see him again in Heaven where we will live eternally with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Hold on to those precious memories.

Cynthia G. Overton "LADY O"

December 28, 2012

To the family members & friends of Rev. Edward Clayton Gaines, I offer you my most sincerest prayers and my genuine heartfelt condolences. Time, Prayers (yours & many from others), your treasured memories, but most of all "the Love & Comfort of the LORD" will see you through this. You will learn to accept it & live with it. I will continue to include you in my prayers.

Cynthia G. Overton "LADY O"

December 28, 2012

It's becoming more believable as time passes, however the pain is still almost unbearable ... you're gone & you're not coming back. I wouldn't want you to come back to this mean world & I'm sure you wouldn't want to come back. Your praise & your ministry is best described by a phrase my Mother said often, "We must live to die"! You did just that! I've found those words to be so comforting in that, "our lives are our eulogy". I thank GOD for loving me so much that He allowed you to have a profound impact on the foundation of my Christian & Spiritual life. Oh, the joyful celebration it must have been, when JESUS & all of the saints welcomed your arrival. I won't say goodbye !!! I'll just say,"Peace to You My Friend" - until GOD calls me to come to Heaven. I love you "My Maestro", Rev. Edward Clayton Gaines... I<3 U !!!

Dedric Owens

December 27, 2012

I can remember singing in the St Mary Baptist Church choir growing up and Rev Gaines leading rehearsals. He was at my mother's funeral service on Feb 5, 2012, whom was also a faithful member of the church and choir. My heart goes out to the Gaines family.

One Of Your Musician Sons

Gregory Jones

December 26, 2012

How heavy my heart was to learn of your passing. To long to have been a part of your home going celebration. Wishing I could have shared a song, played the piano/organ, direct the choir, told how you gave me my first church to play for, or shared many memorable stories of the past. One of my choir director, and piano mentor, I will never forget you. May you rest in peace, and the heavens rejoice of your arrival. God Bless Edward C. Gaines for being a part of my musical career.

Joyce E. Lang-McCray 2010

Joyce E. Lang-McCray

December 25, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the Gaines and Burris families. I have fond memories of Edward as a young boy, always with a smile on his face, as our families were very close. I attended Church on Alice Street where he lived and my Grandmother or Mother would often visit his home or his Aunt's home after service. He will be greatly missed, but God's will must be done. I will pray that God will give you the strength to bear your loss.

December 24, 2012

I remember our childhood at St John Baptist Church'

Zandra Faye

December 24, 2012

My deepest sympathies.

Zandra Faye

Renee Robinson and family

December 23, 2012

My prayers and thoughts are with the Gains family. I remember back in 1968/69 when he played at little rock bapt.church. What a gift he had. May God keep u all in his arms as he carry u during this time of sadness. We love u all.

Bishop J.L. DeCuir

December 22, 2012

To The Gaines Family.
You have my prayers and sympathy. i'm sorry that you had to leave us so soon but i know without a doubt that you are singing and playing in the heavenly choir.

Herman Jackson

December 22, 2012

With deepest sympathy to the Gaines Family. My thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time.

Ms. Jennifer Brumfield

December 22, 2012

I would not have the love of singing the way I do today, had it not been for Rev. Gaines. His earthly presence will greatly be missed! I send many prayers of comfort to his family.

The Griffin Family

December 22, 2012

A loving family friend for many years, Edward was more like a brother, uncle or cousin. He was always there for us in our time of celebrations & bereavement. This meant the world to us. We will miss his kindness, generosity, humor and gentle spirit. We will never forget you.

Rev. James H. Dsvis Jr

December 22, 2012

choose Ye this day whom Ye will serve but for me and my House we will serve the Lord Rev. James H. Davis Jr.

De'Trecia Norris-Singleton

December 22, 2012

The one and only Edward Gaines, I grew up under Edward at St. Luke my mother (Liz), Grandmother(Dorothy Williams) and Great Grandmother (Mother of the church Elizabeth Johnson Rattie) loved him dearly...Thats the St Luke I remember Edward use to cut up on Sundays..he would come visit us all the time, I know if he is playing the same tune he played in St Luke in heaven its a party today!! He will truly be missed

Dr. Cleve A Trusclair

December 22, 2012

To the Gaines Family, Gregory Williams & son- Shamar and friends. You all have my sympathy! I'm so hurt right now, but I've come to understand and except God will; and his plan. Ed, I'm just glad I had the chance to have you in my life as a dear friend man. You where always encouraging me and push me, be it mental, musically, vocally,or even family wise to do the right thing. I could call you no matter what and get a Godly word that would place smile on my face even doing the time my mom passed away, you where right there. You took the time to teach me music and short cuts on the keys after you saw my struggle, and even got me a churches to play for and put me on the spot with "Lord do it". I sit here in my own physical degradation trying to understand what happen in that ICU, one min you where here the next you are gone. Yes, we expected you to leave with us, but God had his plan and he didn't need our permission. But even in my thoughts, I can here you praying and talking to your father, let your will be done. I recall the evenings when we would go and pray. That I will continue to do! You are already miss and will always be in my heart my friend, Oh yes we love you, but God really loves you best. Sleep in heavy peace.

Lynette Early

December 21, 2012

Are prayers are with the Gaines Family

Ramon Lacy & Family

December 21, 2012

Father we thank you for the life of our beloved Friend who has touch the lives of so many through His teaching and in songs we are so grateful to have known Him on this side of heaven ,Our prayer are with His family

December 21, 2012

With deepest sympathy to J.W.Gaines and family.Howard Nixon and family.

Paula Fabre

December 21, 2012

Edward was a kind, loving, and talented person. We worked together for many years. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be cherished always.

Verla Bush

December 21, 2012

may your light keep shining bright in heaven

Verla Bush

December 21, 2012

my prayers are with the Gaines family on the loss of your beloved brother 'may God strenghten your family , Edward was a wonderful person .

Viola (Sweetie) Haynes and Family

December 21, 2012

To The Gaines Family: Times of grief come to us all, the hurt too much to bear, but, always rememberGod's everlasting love and that He is always near. Jesus is there to hold you in His arms, He'll never leave you alone. Give it to Him, all the hurt within, don't bear it on your own.

December 21, 2012

With deepest sympathy, My prayers are with you Gaines Family. Edward was a good kind man and will be missed. I'm sure he an my cousin (Shirley Gibson) are reunited now and are making beautiful music together again in Heaven.

Enoch Causey Jr.
Cousin of Edwards good friend Shirley Gibson.

Karen W. Jackson

December 21, 2012

With deepest sympathy to J.W. and The Gaines Family. May God continue to bless and keep you.

December 21, 2012

With Deepest Sympathy to J.W. and The Gaines Family.My thoughts and prayers are with you.May God Bless and keep you all.

Mary Keller

December 21, 2012

To John (Jay) and Gaines Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief.

Joyce Owens

December 21, 2012

My prayers are with the Gaines family during this time. I enjoyed working with Mr. Gaines at Riveroaks Elem .

Michael, Kathy, Harlon & Tarik Henderson

December 21, 2012

To Our Family

It's the little things, the small, everyday occurrences that you'll remember. The laughs, the stories, the smiles. And even though it seems like you can never recover from your loss, it is these very memories that will help push the pain away and bring back the smiles.

With Sympathy,
Your Cousins

December 21, 2012

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY, from THE BYNUM FAMILY. It was a pleasure tohave known such a beautiful person as yourself.RIP

Jacqueline Bynum Ayo & Family

December 21, 2012

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY from the Bynum Family. You will forever be in my heart (Jacqueline Bynum Ayo)

Jacqueline Bynum Ayo & Family

Stephanie Martin

December 21, 2012

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Lindan and April

December 21, 2012

To the Family, My son is a student at Riveroaks Elementary, he admired Mr. Gaines and was deeply saddened by his passing. He encouraged my son to be all he good be and made a lasting impression on him. We will continue to pray for you all.

Kim Hausey

December 21, 2012

My dear friend and fellow musican will be greatly missed by me. Edward and I helped each other with different techniques of music activities for our music students. We attended music workshops together and the two of us would always be each others partners for the different activities.
I have always admired Edward as a young musican, and later became good friends with him. Eward Gaines loved working with everyone from the children to the seasoned adults.
We will miss that laughter, the little comments that would make you laugh, the compassion to everyone, the gentleman, the talented musican, the educator, and the minister is gone.But, Edward Gaines will always live on through those whom he touched.

Bye, bye my dear friend Edward I know God has an organ or a piano for you in heaven, so keep on singing and keep on smiling for one day our paths will cross again.
May God Bless the Gaines family for you are in my prayers.

December 21, 2012

to the family; may the lord bless and keep you in your hour of need;- betty atkins

Frank Ellois Sr

December 21, 2012

To the Gaines Family

I come in the hour of your grief to remind you that the Lord our God is still in control and his plan will always be done. Let Us remember the good times, playing music in the bands, neighborhood, and watching the only TV in the neighborhood. Riding in the Brown and beige chevy. We are all sad with you today and will always be with you in pray.

Anitra Carter

December 21, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

R McFarland

December 21, 2012

To Gerald and the Family,

Edward was one the most gifted of musicians that I have ever met. Not only was he talented and gifted, this gift was magnified through his love for The Lord and his humility to others. May God grant you peace through this trying time.

Felicie "Binky" Jackson

December 21, 2012

We will miss him from singing down here and his brilliant musicianship. He is now joining the ranks and building that heavenly choir that I pray we all join one day. So glad we crossed paths, wonderful man of God. May he rest in peace.

Family, God be with you, now and forevermore.

Betty Johnson

December 21, 2012

Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.

December 20, 2012

Reverend Gaines we miss u so much u will be still in our hearts .. this the Kingdom Life Family

Patrick Lewis

December 20, 2012

I will surely miss you brother.
Patrick Lewis; Second B.C.

Dr. Michael G. Ford

December 20, 2012

Sincerest prayers and warmest thoughts on extended on the behalf of the family and friends of my friend, Edward Clayton Gaines. Edward and his beautiful parents, Claiborne and Rand Edna Gaines championed my goal to obtain a degree from Southern University. Blessed by his musicianship, love for family and God, and unswerving Christian Witness. I look forward to his reacquaintance in the Glorious Resurrection.

Azelia Singleton

December 20, 2012

Mr. Gaines will truly be missed.

Azelia Singleton

December 20, 2012

To the Gaines Family: It has been a pleasure working with Mr. Gaines at both Merrydale Elementary and Riveroaks Elementary. Hearing of his passing saddened me. However, I rejoice that GOD spoke and called His son home from labor to reward. I am a peace knowing that he is "where the wicked shall cease from troubling and the weary shall be at rest." Know that you all are in my prayers.

Larry K. Horton

December 20, 2012

The Gaines Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this your time of grief.

N Pierson

December 20, 2012

A true musician gone on home but your memories will live on forever in many hearts! Edward used to have St Luke Baptist on Van Buren St rocking from side to side every Sunday morning!! You will truly be missed.

Demetrice Gaunichaux

December 20, 2012

I will always remember you R I P God Bless. Demetrice. Lagarde

December 20, 2012

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Ginger F. Smith & Family

Darlene Green

December 20, 2012

It's hard to believe that I'll not longer hear Edward's laugh or the way he would throw his head when singing or directing the choir. Edward had a habit of being late, but once there he gave his all. He'll never be late and he'll be directing and playing for GOD. Rest Edward, but you will be missed.

Rev.Dr. Sadie B. Fowler

December 20, 2012

Rev.Edward Gaines will surely be missed he always had a smile and he loved the Lord and he loved his Church and playing his music for the Lord he will be missed,God have welcome him in and he will be singing and enjoy what he love best.He have earn his crown.

Debra Butler

December 20, 2012

?Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow. Robert Louis Stevenson

Elizabeth Butler

December 20, 2012

If tears could build a stairway,
And memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to Heaven
And bring you home again.
~Author Unknown

Curtis Morris

December 20, 2012

I can't believe one of my friends has departed this earth's realm. There are so many great things I can say about Edward. One thing I will say is that he taught me the meaning of character and meekness. He was so humble,kind and respectful to all. His love for music was known by all. I will miss him but GOD wanted him more.

Rev. Segmund J. Freeman

December 20, 2012

I am saddened by the lost of our beloved Brother. Rev. Gaines was the same in and out of season and his presence will be missed by all. I loved to hear him sing "Prayed About It." When he sung it, you can tell that he was a prayer warrior. We will miss him, but God loved him best. I thank the Lord, for his friendship and encouragement along this way. He was truly a man with great talent, but most importantly he showed it by how he treated others.

Showing 1 - 58 of 58 results

Make a Donation
in Edward Gaines's name

How to support Edward's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Edward Gaines's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Edward Gaines's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 3, 2024

Alfred Oxley Sr. posted to the memorial.

January 12, 2013

Denise Gistand posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2012

Anne Brown posted to the memorial.