Bernice L. Gaines

Bernice Leary Gaines was born Saturday May 9, 1936, to Otis Leary and Evelyn Ranford in Dooly County Georgia. Bernice departed this life on Saturday December 27, 2025, at home with her loving family, after battling Dementia.

Bernice moved to Cincinnati at an early age where she attended Cincinnati public schools. She was joined in holy matrimony to the late Stanley Gaines on October 10, 1959, at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. Out of this union was born their son Michael Gaines Sr.

Bernice worked at Deaconess Hospital for 20 years in the food service department where she retired. If anyone spoke about sister Bernice Gaines, they would tell you that she loved and was devoted to the Lord, her savior. She joined Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in 1956 where she was on the Missionary Board, she was in the Willing Workers, she was a choir member, and she assisted in the kitchen. In her later years she became the “picture lady” and she took pictures of all church and family events.

Bernice truly had a heart of gold. She devoted herself to her community with quiet, unwavering love. She faithfully visited the sick and shut-in, brought food and clothing to anyone in need, and never hesitated to offer a ride to fellow church members. Her kindness was not just something she showed—it was who she was, every single day.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents Otis Leary and Evelyn Ranford and her Husband Staney Gaines.

She leaves to cherish her memory a loving son Michael Gaines Sr (Alicia); two loving grandsons Michael Gaines Jr (Arionne) and Jordan Gaines; brother Paul White (Deborah); two great grandchildren Amelia Gaines and Michael Gaines III; and a host of nieces, nephews, cherished family and friends.

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