MOTHER JOHNNIE L. (Elston) GAINES

JOHNNIE L. GAINES was born on November 14, 1944, in Talladega, Alabama, to the late Mr. John Elston Sr. and the late Mrs. Grace Mae Vaughn Elston Bonner. Later, she moved to Carrollton, Georgia, and began her formal education at Hillside School. She later shifted her residence to Doerun, Georgia, and then moved on to Moultrie, Georgia, after a few years. In the late 1960s, she relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, and joined her dad and other family members. Later, she graduated with honors and received several certifications at the Adult Learning Center.

JOHNNIE L. GAINES went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the age of 80 years, 5 months, and 18 days. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Now, she is in the presence of God.   

At an early age, JOHNNIE accepted Christ under the leadership of Superintendent J. W. Lewis, Lewis Temple Church of God In Christ in Moultrie, Georgia. Later assembled at Christ Gospel Church in Indianapolis, Indiana under the leadership of Reverend Berniece R. Hicks. On December 12, 1972, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Perry Gaines Sr.  Together with their children, they became dedicated and faithful members of Freedom Temple Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Pastor Joe Hamilton. 

JOHNNIE became the “Matriarch” of her family. As a mother, she gave selflessly, consistently placing her children’s needs above her own, guiding them with Godly wisdom. She offered unconditional love and partnership, standing strong through every challenge and celebrating every victory. Her devotion knew no limits; she sacrificed and endured, whether managing a household, comforting her children, standing beside her husband through life’s storms. She did it all with grace and strength. She was famous for her quiet heroism through humor and became the family’s actor and “dancing comedian”.  She was a global shopper known as the “luxury retail tourist”, a fashion trendsetter and influencer to all. She did not just meet expectations; she exceeded them daily with love as her driving engine.

JOHNNIE, a mother “par excellence”, exemplified wisdom, compassion, and spiritual maturity. As a wise counselor, psalmist, and conquering prayer warrior, she stood as a pillar of faith and intercession, guiding others with discernment. She carried out her roles with unmatched grace and poise. Her dignified presence spoke volumes about her commitment to living set apart for God, representing holiness and leading many to repentance. She found joy in reading and listening to God’s Word, living a life pleasing to Jesus. Her children rose to call her blessed, and she trained her children, family, and others about Christ. She expressed how vital it was for everyone to have a personal relationship with the Lord. Her legacy is one of unrelenting faith and power.

JOHNNIE played a vital role in strengthening God’s Kingdom through discipleship, prayer meetings, and organizing charitable events. She mentored and counseled young women and married couples, encouraging and provoking a healthy spiritual growth. Her role as “Mother of the Church” at Spirit of Truth Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, was a testament to her tireless service until her health challenges.

JOHNNIE was a phenomenal woman of noble character who worked effortlessly to support her family, community, and church. She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and confidant. She always helped with a warm and generous heart, extending kindness to her family and anyone in need. She became” the glue” that held the family together, creating fun-filled laughter and traditional memories. Family was the “heartbeat” of everything she did, and she gave her love freely and fully to all generations. She was an excellent chef, canner, baker, cosmetologist, seamstress, ceramicist, decorator, and stylist, creating a home of comfort, order, beauty, elegance, and laughter.  An uncompromising Christian disciplinarian with a soft and gentle voice, she raised her children with love, dignity, and respect.

JOHNNIE L. GAINES had a successful career in the agriculture industry in Moultrie, Georgia, and later became a dietitian practitioner. Her expertise in creating and educating a wholesome, healthy lifestyle led to collaborations with the nutrition industry for all ages, opening doors to public schools, township schools, and nursing facilities.

JOHNNIE was known as "Ms. Grandma” at Open Door Church Childcare facilities for over a decade because of her “BIG PERSONALITY and infectious love, care, and concern. She provided high-quality cognitive development and social stimulation to each child she encountered.

JOHNNIE L. GAINES was preceded in death by her parents; John Elston Sr, and Mrs. Grace Vaughn Bonner; Rufus Bonner, her sisters, Dorothy Jesse, Louise McCullough; her brothers, Bobby Lee Bonner, Emmerson Bonner, Otis Lee Bonner, and Lee Bonner; her grandsons Jason Bonner Garrett; Eugene Dobbins Jr., Cederick Starks. She leaves a legacy for her family to celebrate her life while cherishing her memories: Her beloved children, Edward Bonner Jr. of Indianapolis, IN; Martha Ann Bonner-Anderson of Indianapolis, IN; Eloise Ann Starks (Charles) of Indianapolis, IN; Lady Sherrell Louise Hicks (Dr. Bishop Rufus C.) of Indianapolis, IN; Perry Gaines Jr.(Michelle) of Miami, Fl; her brothers, John Elston Jr. of Indianapolis, IN, and Rufus (Mattie) Bonner Jr. of Funston, GA; sisters, Elsie (Samuel) Lewis of Funston, GA, Ada Montgomery of Indianapolis, Irene (Leo) Blakley of Moultrie, GA, Linda Bonner of Moultrie, GA, Mary Edmonds of Moultrie, GA, Ethel Harrison of Funston, GA, and Barbara Carr of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Kenyatta Burdine of Indianapolis, IN; Alicia Bonner- Burdine of Indianapolis, IN; Demethrice Tyre Williams of Indianapolis, IN; Harmony L. L. Lucinda Hicks of Atlanta, GA; Pearis Gaines of Indianapolis, IN; Mirah Bonner of New Castle, IN, Teasia Snyder of New Castle, IN (Nolan) Michael Bonner of Indianapolis, IN; Charles Starks Jr. (Erica) of Indianapolis, IN; Justin Gough of Indianapolis, IN; Jennifer Garrett of Whiteland; IN, great-grandchildren, Kellina Toles of Indianapolis, IN; Andre Pinner of Indianapolis, IN; D’Alicia McMichel of Indianapolis, IN; Demethrice Williams Jr. of Indianapolis, IN; Da’Lonnie Williams of Indianapolis, IN; Da’Barje Williams of Indianapolis, IN; Kenny Garrett of Whiteland, IN; Lillee Garrett of Whiteland, IN; Eunique Starks of Indianapolis, IN; Chloe Starks of Indianapolis, IN; Camari Starks of Indianapolis, IN; grand-god children, James Jackson of Indianapolis, IN; Christian Edwards of Atlanta, GA; Saschanera Tobin of Indianapolis, IN; Akeaylah Tobin of Indianapolis, IN; Carlos Wells Jr. of Indianapolis, IN;  her great-grand dog, Princeton Carter Hicks.

JOHNNIE L. GAINES will be greatly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives, her Spirit of Truth Church, Freedom Temple Church of God In Christ, Open Door Church of Deliverance, New Day Pentecostal Church, and Walk By Faith family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of MOTHER JOHNNIE L. (Elston) GAINES, please visit our floral store.