Mrs. Catherine Gainey

On February 12, 2026, God gently called Mother Catherine Simon Gainey home. Catherine was born in Darlington, South Carolina, on October 22, 1944, to the late Johnny Green and Carrie Simon. She later moved to North Carolina in her teenage years, where she grew into a woman known for her compassion, strength, and unwavering faith. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jake Gainey, Sr.; her siblings, Helen Francis (Trenton, NJ), Joyce Ilarraza (Chester, PA), Jesse Gainey, and Jake Gainey, Jr., both of Winston-Salem, NC; and her devoted aunt, Idella “T” White of Winston-Salem, NC. Catherine attended school in her hometown and developed strong administrative skills that led her to work with Experiment in Self-Reliance. With her gentle spirit, she became a healthcare provider with dedication and commitment to her clients. She loved the Lord deeply and remained faithful in worship until her health limited her attendance. Her life was a beautiful reflection of generosity, grace, and devotion to family, faith, and community. Mother Gainey was a cherished member of the Greater Higher Ground Ministries of Winston-Salem, NC, where she was loved as a pillar of strength, encouragement, and comfort through Jesus Christ. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her daughters, Martha Kay Okafor (Paul) and Celestine Cowan; her son, Johnathan Gainey (Georgette); and her beloved grandchildren, Jasmin and Daphne, whom she reared. Additional grandchildren include Paula, Jacquelyn, Victoria, Cecilia Kathryn, JaLisa, Kathleen, Camry (Julian), Chloe, Joshua, Micah, and Matthew. Her great-grandchildren include, Darian, Timothy, Latiana, Joseph, Josiah, Samson, Jay’Lyn, Emeri, and Juelz. She also leaves to cherish her memory her siblings, Elder Floyd McIver (Florence, SC), Olivia Freeman, Carrie Lee "Bae” Drummond, Horace Gainey, and Nathaniel Gainey, all of Winston-Salem, NC, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Her love, warmth, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be forever loved and greatly missed. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 2:00pm at Phillips Chapel Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at 1:30pm from the church. At the request of the family there will no public viewing. Interment will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Gardens Of Memory at 10:00am.

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Mrs. Catherine Gainey

October 21, 1944 - February 12, 2026